THE ONES WHO DO

Here's to the crazy ones.
The misfits.
The rebels.
The troublemakers.
The round pegs in the square holes.

The ones who see things differently.
They're not fond of rules.
And they have no respect for the status quo.

You can praise them, disagree with them, quote them, disbelieve them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can't do is ignore them.
Because they change things.

They invent. They imagine. They heal.
They explore. They create. They inspire.
They push the human race forward.

Maybe they have to be crazy.
How else can you stare at an empty canvas and see a work of art?
Or sit in silence and hear a song that's never been written?
Or gaze at a red planet and see a laboratory on wheels?
We make tools for these kinds of people.

While some see them as the crazy ones, we see genius.
Because the people who are crazy enough to think
they can change the world, are the ones who do.
-Apple

Oh the Places You'll Go

OH, THE PLACES YOU`LL GO!
``You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You`re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who`ll decide where to go...`` - What a great quote by Dr. Seuss!


This great article about this quote from Dr. Seuss that was written by a woman named Jacqueline Wales.She writes the following:

You have brains in your head. Stepping out of our own way is the biggest challenge for most people. We over think, or under think, and many times the thinking is completely skewed in the wrong direction. Using our brains is what changing our thinking is all about. Move from the negativity to the positive and learn how to embrace your fearless self, removing doubts and anxieties that are currently stopping you from being your best self now.

Feet in your shoes. How many of us are standing in our own shoes? It took me years to realize that I was walking in someone else's. It was a proud day when I could say they were mine. Don't be walking someone else's path, and don't go trying to wear shoes that don't fit you. Pinched feet are painful. Leave them at home.

Steer yourself in any direction you choose. Choosing a direction is the hardest part. What do you really want for yourself? Where do you really want to go. Once you decide on that, then take every possible action to get yourself where you want to go.

You're on your own. That much is clear. We are totally responsible for EVERYTHING that happens in our life, whether wittingly or unwittingly, we have made a choice or a decision that brought us into the circumstance or event in our life. Being responsible for each and every aspect of your life means you're on your own, but you are not alone. Everyone is right there beside you.

You know what you know. It's all inside of you. The questions and the answers. Trust yourself more. Fear is essentially our lack of trust that we have all the answers, that we can control our life. We are stronger than we think, and we KNOW a lot. Trust you more often.

You are the one who'll decide where to go. It's your life. Learn how to embrace it, and allow it to unfold the way you want it to be. Be Fearless: See Where It Gets You! You will be surprised at what you find.

Three Words

The following three-word phrases can be tools to help develop every relationship.

1. Let me help
Good friends see a need and then try to fill it. When they see a hurt they do what they can to heal it. Without being asked, they jump in and help out.

2. I understand you
People become closer and enjoy each other more when the other person accepts and understands them. Letting your spouse know - in so many little ways - that you understand them, is one of the most powerful tools for healing your relationship. And this can apply to any relationship.

3. I respect you
Respect is another way of showing love. Respect demonstrates that another person is a true equal. If you talk to your children as if they were adults you will strengthen the bonds and become closer friends. This applies to all interpersonal relationships.

4. I miss you
Perhaps more marriages could be saved and strengthened if couples simply and sincerely said to each other "I miss you." This powerful affirmation tells partners they are wanted, needed, desired and loved. Consider how important you would feel, if you received an unexpected phone call from your spouse in the middle of your workday, just to say "I miss you."

5. Maybe you're right
This phrase is very effective in diffusing an argument. The implication when you say "maybe you're right" is the humility of admitting, "Maybe I’m wrong". Let's face it. When you have an argument with someone, all you normally do is solidify the other person's point of view. They, or you, will not likely change their position and you run the risk of seriously damaging the relationship between you. Saying "maybe you're right" can open the door to explore the subject more. You may then have the opportunity to express your view in a way that is understandable to the other person.

6. Please forgive me
Many broken relationships could be restored and healed if people would admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness. All of us are vulnerable to faults, foibles and failures. A man should never be ashamed to own up that he has been in the wrong, which is saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.

7. I thank you
Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy. People who enjoy the companionship of good, close friends are those who don't take daily courtesies for granted. They are quick to thank their friends for their many expressions of kindness. On the other hand, people whose circle of friends is severely constricted often do not have the attitude of gratitude.

8. Count on me
A friend is one who walks in when others walk out. Loyalty is an essential ingredient for true friendship. It is the emotional glue that bonds people. Those that are rich in their relationships tend to be steady and true friends. When troubles come, a good friend is there indicating "you can count on me."

9. I'll be there
If you have ever had to call a friend in the middle of the night, to take a sick child to hospital, or when your car has broken down some miles from home, you will know how good it feels to hear the phrase "I'll be there." Being there for another person is the greatest gift we can give. When we are truly present for other people, important things happen to them and us. We are renewed in love and friendship. We are restored emotionally and spiritually. Being there is at the very core of civility.

10. Go for it
We are all unique individuals. Don't try to get your friends to conform to your ideals. Support them in pursuing their interests, no matter how far out they seem to you. God has given everyone dreams, dreams that are unique to that person only. Support and encourage your friends to follow their dreams. Tell them to "go for it."

11. Bonus: I love you

Perhaps the most important three words that you can say are telling someone that you truly love them. This satisfies a person's deepest emotional needs; the need to belong, to feel appreciated and to be wanted. Your spouse, your children, your friends and you, all need to hear those three little words: "I love you." Love is a choice. You can love even when the feeling is gone. "

Trip to Cedar City

Fantastic Weekend

Finally I was able to make it back to Cedar City from Thursday October 14th thru Sunday October 17th for a Theater Arts and Dance Department Reunion and fundraiser. What an awesome weekend it was! I left Thursday after work, about 4. The traffic was horrible until Spanish Fork due to road construction, but after that it was smooth sailing. I finally arrived in Cedar city about 8:15 and stopped at the grocery store to pick up some breakfast food before heading to Kay's! I love staying at Kay's home, it is so welcoming and peaceful. Kay is a very dear friend of mine. He was my modern professor in college and a co-worker afterwards with the American Folk Ballet. It had been a year and a half since I had seen Kay, but you would never know it. Our friendship is one of those that it doesn't matter how much time goes by, when we see each other, you would never know it. Steve Nielsen met me at Kay's. Steve and I graduated from SUU today and haven't seen each other for years, probably 6 years. Steve had invited me to perform with him on Saturday night, so at 9:00 Thursday night, it was off to the studio to rehearse and learn the piece! We danced until midnight, when campus security showed up and kicked us out! Nothing like getting in trouble by campus security on the first night back in town! hee hee hee. Steve and I stayed up until about 1:30 AM talking and catching up. Lot's has happened in both of our lives!

Friday morning came very early, we had a meeting at 9:00 AM and I was teaching at10:00 AM. Oh how I love to teach. It was an absolute blast teaching college kids who are majoring in dance. The studio was gigantic! I love it! The went amazing! I could have used 2 hours, rather than an hour and half. After my class, Steve and I rehearsed with some of the students that we had asked to perform with us. At noon, Steve taught a jazz/musical theater class, which I took. After his 1.5 hour class, more rehearsal! At 3:00, it was time for Tech Rehearsal on the stage, then a dance panel from 4-5! Busy day!

After panel, it was off to St. George to see Tarzan at Tuacahn. It was a good show, but not up to par for a professional theater, it was more on the level of a high school show or community theater. However, Steve and I had a blast! I love going to the theater to see shows!


Saturday, it was dress rehearsal from 12-3, then off to get ready for the performance and reception. The show turned out amazing, the reception was a blast. I love seeing friends that I haven't seen for 10-12 years! It was just like the good ol' days!

I am so glad that I was able to head south and make the memories! I came home on Sunday and actually started looking at apartments in Cedar. Cedar is home! I love it there, perhaps in the next year I will end up there!

I wish you enough

Recently I overheard a Father and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure.


Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the Father said, 'I love you, and I wish you enough.'

The daughter replied, 'Dad, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Dad.'

They kissed and the daughter left. The Father walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, 'Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?'

'Yes, I have,' I replied. 'Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?'.

'I am old, and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is - the next trip back will be for my funeral,' he said.

'When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough.' May I ask what that means?'

He began to smile. 'That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone...' He paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and he smiled even more. 'When we said, 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.' Then turning toward me, he shared the following as if he were reciting it from memory.


I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

He then began to cry and walked away.


They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them; but then an entire life to forget them.


TAKE TIME TO LIVE....

To all my friends and loved ones,
I WISH YOU ENOUGH.

Numbers 6:24-26
The Lord bless you & keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you
& be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you & give you peace.

Trust

Today I was reading a friends blog and she talked about the song "Consider the Lilies." In reading her blog and then listening to the song, I realized that I had also built a wall. The song goes, "And He will heal those who trust him. And make their hearts as gold." The beginning of the song says, "Consider the lilies of the field, How they grow, How they grow... Consider the birds in the sky, How they fly, How they fly."

Thanks to my dear friend, I too realized that I have built a wall to keep the hurt out and in turn to prevent the happiness and joy I deserve out. It is time for the wall to come down and for me to begin trusting again, trusting those in my life now, trusting new friends I meet and trusting GOD.

I had a great conversation with my mom today about my life and stresses that are happening, situations and feelings that have arisen. I am so grateful for her and the love and support she gives. Her advice is very welcome and really helped me make some decisions today. Thanks Mom, I love you.

Yesterday was a great day as well. It started off with a long over due massage. She knew exactly where I hold my stress and pointed out that is why I have been having headaches. During the massage I realized that some of the stress in my life is self inflicted and I am the one to resolve and remove it. Saturday night was priesthood session of conference, which means the girls get to play while the men are being counseled! I headed out to my friend Tanji's house where we ate TGI Friday's and just talked and got caught up. What a perfect night and way to end Saturday!

Life is good and is going to get better. Thank you to allb of my friends and family! You are all amazing.

GOD Bless America

I'm so tired of seeing what's WRONG with this country....this was truly refreshing!Enjoy. I did!


From a Romanian Newspaper

We rarely get a chance to see another country's editorial about the USA


Read this excerpt from a Romanian Newspaper. The article was written by Mr. Cornel Nistorescu and published under the title 'C'ntarea Americii, meaning 'Ode To America ') in the Romanian newspaper Evenimentulzilei 'The Daily Event' or 'News of the Day'.

~An Ode to America~

Why are Americans so united? They would not resemble one another even if you painted them all one color! They speak all the languages of the world and form an astonishing mixture of civilizations and religious beliefs.

On 9/11, the American tragedy turned three hundred million people into a hand put on the heart. Nobody rushed to accuse the White House, the Army, or the Secret Service that they are only a bunch of losers. Nobody rushed to empty their bank accounts Nobody rushed out onto the streets nearby to gape about...

Instead the Americans volunteered to donate blood and to give a helping hand.

After the first moments of panic , they raised their flag over the smoking ruins, putting on T-shirts, caps and ties in the colors of the national flag. They placed flags on buildings and cars as if in every place and on every car a government official or the president was passing. On every occasion, they started singing: 'God Bless America !'

I watched the live broadcast and rerun after rerun for hours listening to the story of the guy who went down one hundred floors with a woman in a wheelchair without knowing who she was, or of the Californian hockey player, who gave his life fighting with the terrorists and prevented the plane from hitting a target that could have killed other hundreds or thousands of people.

How on earth were they able to respond united as one human being? Imperceptibly, with every word and musical note, the memory of some turned into a modern myth of tragic heroes. And with every phone call, millions and millions of dollars were put into collection aimed at rewarding not a man or a family, but a spirit, which no money can buy. What on earth can unites the Americans in such way? Their land? Their history? Their economic Power? Money? I tried for hours to find an answer, humming songs and murmuring phrases with the risk of sounding commonplace, I thought things over, I reached but only one conclusion.... Only freedom can work such miracles.

Cornel Nistorescu
(This deserves to be passed around the Internet forever..) It took a person on the outside - looking in - to see what we take for granted!
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

Two Years

What a crazy and wonderful two years! It was two years ago today that the judge signed my divorce papers and I became a single woman again. In looking back at the last two years I see how blessed I have been.

During my marriage, I became extremely submissive and gave up on a lot of my dreams and goals in life. The one goal which I never gave up on was being a wife and a mother. I have two of the most amazing children (babies from another mother) whom I am still very blessed to see and spend time with on a regular basis. They are two of the largest blessings in my life. It does make my heart ache to hear the challenges they are facing in life and the feelings the have towards people in their life. Children should not have to understand happenings in life at such a young age. I am amazed at their comprehension and understanding of people, their actions and their words. They have a deep understanding, much deeper that I think we as adults give them credit for. They have and understand their feelings and are very creative in their ways of expressing them. Michael and Sabrina are amazing and the best children! I love them with all of my being and am so grateful for them.

I originally was ashamed of my divorce. It is something I never wanted in my life. I always wanted to be married only one and to the man that we would grow together, love, and support each other. Spend time building each other up. Unfortunately that did not happen in my marriage. There were 25 months spent trying to make it work, changing myself so that it would work. I was very blessed to spend many hours in the temple, praying about what to do... then the answer came that it was time to leave... it takes two people working at a marriage and giving to make it work. It was time for me to leave the abuse. I think this was the hardest part for me. My ex was only physically abusive several times in the marriage and I was great at making excuses for it. The first time was 2 months into our marriage, when I ended up with two small black eyes and a cut across my forehead. He did an amazing job at justifying his actions. There was the bruises on my ribs from him poking me, the bruise on my shin from him kicking me... the bruises on my stomach from him 'tickling' too hard. Then there was the verbal, which is also mental and emotional abuse, and the spiritual abuse. I struggled with realizing it until I was able to meet with a counselor, read several books and made some tough realizations, as well as going back to a self discovery stage. I was great at making excuses for his behavior and even got to the point of blaming myself. It was a horrible place to be and I realized that now. I am back to my spunky, loving life and living life self. I am checking goals off my list and completing wants and wishes off of my bucket list.

I think that his family is great and amazing. I have enjoyed keeping in contact on a high level with his family. His mom sent me a very sweet letter, even stating that she was grateful that I had gotten out and away from the abuse. His sisters have been fun and amazing. I love seeing their children grow and have new experiences. His family are blessings in my life!

I pray that my ex can become the man that I saw in him, especially now that he is remarried to a woman with 2 children. I would hate for her to have the same experience I did and for her children to go thru a 2nd divorce.

As for things I have been able to do over the last two years...I am back in school studying Chemistry and Biology, working towards working in the forensics field or medical research field. School is challenging and I love it! I am still teaching dance and am back to being the Assistant Director of Southpointe Ballet company. I have been on a hot air balloon ride, I have returned to Disneyland with the kids, I have been to Europe and am going back in 3 months to experience more! I have met amazing men, who have treated me with the utmost kindness and respect. I have rekindled friendships and have become more social again! Life is amazing. I am so grateful for my trials and the lessons learned thru them. I am grateful for my blessings. I know that GOD is real and truly cares about each and everyone of us. He has carried me at many times thru the last two years and 9 months. My ex and I were separated for 9 months prior to the divorce being final.

I am grateful for Mandi(his first ex-wife) and our friendship. I love that we have become friends, after all we both experienced a very difficult marriage. It was very strange at first to sit down with her and compare our experiences with him. Our stories are almost exact, even from the phrases he used on us. She is a blessing in my life!

So, here is to another exciting time in life, to checking more off my bucket list, to finding my spouse, to starting a family, to living life to the fullest. Thank you to all of my friends who have been there for me in the difficult and sad times. Who have been there to lift me up and keep me going, to hold me back when necessary. I love you all and am grateful for you everyday!

Great Article

ORANGE COUNTY ( CALIFORNIA ) NEWSPAPER-New Immigrants
This is a very good letter to the editor. This woman made some good points..
For some reason, people have difficulty structuring their arguments when
arguing against supporting the currently proposed immigration revisions.
This lady made the argument pretty simple. NOT printed in the Orange
CountyPaper...................

Newspapers simply won't publish letters to the editor which they either deem
politically incorrect (read below) or which does not agree with the
philosophy they're pushing on the public. This woman wrote a great letter
to the editor that should have been published; but, with your help it will
get published via cyberspace!


From: "David LaBonte"
My wife, Rosemary, wrote a wonderful
letter to the editor of the OC Register which, of course, was not printed.
So, I decided to "print" it myself by sending it out on the Internet. Pass
it along if you feel so inclined. Written in response to a series of letters
to the editor in the range County Register:


Dear Editor:
So many letter writers have based their arguments on how this land is made
up of immigrants. Ernie Lujan for one, suggests we should tear down the
Statue of Liberty because the people now in question aren't being treated
the same as those who passed through Ellis Island
and other ports of entry.

Maybe we should turn to our history books and point out to people like Mr.
Lujan why today's American is not willing to accept this new kind of
immigrant any longer. Back in 1900 when there was a rush from all areas of
Europe to come to the United States, people had to get off a ship and stand
in a long line in New York and be documented. Some would even get down on
their hands and knees and kiss the ground. They made a pledge to uphold the
laws and support their new country in good and bad times. They made learning
English a primary rule in their new American households and some even
changed their names to blend in with their new home.

They had waved good bye to their birth place to give their children a new
life and did everything in their power to help their children assimilate
into one culture. Nothing was handed to them. No free lunches, no welfare,
no labor laws
to protect them. All they had were the skills and craftsmanship they had
brought with them to trade for a future of prosperity.

Most of their children came of age when World War II broke out. My father
fought along side men whose parents had come straight over from Germany,
Italy , France and Japan . None of these 1st generation Americans ever gave
any thought about what country their parents had come from. They were
Americans fighting Hitler, Mussolini and the Emperor of
Japan. They were defending the United States of America as one people.

When we liberated France , no one in those villages were looking for the
French-American or the German American or the Irish American. The people of
France saw only Americans. And we carried one flag that represented one
country. Not one of those immigrant sons would have thought about picking up
another country's flag and waving it to represent who they were. It would
have been a disgrace to their parents who had
sacrificed so much to be here. These immigrants truly knew what it meant to
be an American. They stirred the melting pot into one red, white and blue
bowl.

And here we are with a new kind of immigrant who wants the same rights and
privileges. Only they want to achieve it by playing with a different set of
rules, one that includes the entitlement card and a guarantee of being
faithful to their mother country. I'm sorry, that's not what being an
American is all about. I believe that the immigrants who landed on Ellis
Island in the early 1900's deserve better than that for all the toil, hard
work and sacrifice in raising future generations to create a land that has
become a beacon for those legally searching for a better life. I think they
would be appalled that they are being used as an example by those waving
foreign country flags.

And for that suggestion about taking down the Statue of Liberty , it happens
to mean a lot to the citizens who are voting on the immigration bill. I
wouldn't start talking about dismantling the United States just yet.

(signed)
Rosemary LaBonte

Good Things to Come

Where oh Where!

I am amazed that July is more than half over. July is one of my favorite months. I love celebrating Independance Day and Pioneer Day. I love fireworks and that there are fireworks every weekend for the month of July. Fireworks make me smile! As life goes on, you learn to appreciate the small things in life, the sunrise, the sunset, the butterflies, the silence, beautiful music, smiles... I am so grateful for my friends, my family, those on the other side. This world is amazing and wonderful. There is so much to see and learn, enjoy and take in.

I am so excited to be seeing The Lion King on August 14th! I love the arts, the talents that are shared. Less that a month and I get to see a show that I have always dreamed of seeing! I love the music and can't wait to see it on stage.

Happy 4th of July!

I love the 4th of July holiday and it was especially fantastic this year. The holiday celebration began on Friday July 2nd! I would have my babies from another mother for the majority of the weekend. I love seeing the excitement in their faces! Mike and Sabrina were dropped off abotu 4:30 by their mom and we then headed to Park City. I had to exchange a pair of pants that I had picked up the week before. It was 90 degrees in Park City. I was amazed when we arrived at the outletss that a mother had left her infant child in the car with the windows up. The fire department was there and about to shatter a window to rescue the child. It broke my heart. Upon returning from Park City, we did the Saturday errands so that we could play all day Saturday. Once the errands were done, it was off to Subway for sandwiches and then to Granite High School for the live music and fireworks. We met a group of friends there and had a blast. The fireworks were amazing. They were the best fireworks I have seen in years and the kids loved them! Mike wouldn't let me take his picture, but here is Sabrina wearing my sunglasses!

Saturday it was off to the West Jordan Carnival. My dancers performed at 1:00, then the kids rode rides, ate snow cones and have an awesome afternoon! The kids and I headed to Red Robin for burgers and fries! Yummy. Mike and Sabrina talked to Mandi, their mom at the restaurant, discussing their lack of desire to spend time on Sunday with their dad. Listening to their reasoning behind not wanting to go, I felt very bad for them. I am grateful for my relationship with my father and that he never made me feel the way they do. Once the conversation was over, we enjoyed our meal and then headed home for a bit of relaxing before more fireworks! Saturday night it was off to Pleasant Grove for more fireworks. The fireworks were very adventurous tonight as some of them shot off into the crowd. Made me very grateful for not sitting close and on the front row! I love watching the kids faces as the fireworks dance thru the sky. On the way home I dropped the kids off at Mandi's as their father was picking them up in the morning at 9:00.

Sunday was very quiet compared to the rest of the weekend. I completely over slept and missed church, OOPS. Other than that I just chilled at home and did homework until I headed to American Fork for a BBQ with Russ, who I have been seeing a bit since May. He is a very nice guy, I am just simply not ready for an exclusive relationship and neither is he. so that is perfect!

Strange Day

What a day, what a day! The morning started off great! Talked to my boss at the dance studio about teaching some modern this summer, excited for that! I then called and left my ex a VM about a game I had left at his house... I had been trying to communicate with him via text about it for two weeks...granted I only sent him one text a week, as I didn't want to irritate him. So this morning I left a VM about it and offered to pick it up from his house and suggested that he could just leave it out by the garbage can and I could just grab it... It is the Atari Frogger game, my favorite. It brings back such fun memories of my childhood and college days.

So, then I get to work, and talk about the day from HELL. I don't get why people don't feel they need to pay their bills, pay for the services rendered, and pay late fees on past due balances. I am amazed. I have even explained it like a credit card bill, that has a due date and finance charges. It is not that difficult. So then I come home and am outside talking to a friend that has stopped by and up pulls my ex with the game. It felt really awkward. That is strange to me, as I am still friends with the majority of my ex-boyfriends. He didn't even say two words to me, just handed me a sack. Strange, but then verbal communication was not one of the strong points between us. I am very glad he had my game still. I will admit I plugged Frogger in and relaxed a bit this evening while playing! After unwinding, it was time to study a bit before I went on a date for dinner.

In the meant time, I get a text from a guy I have been out with many times, we have been spending time together since early May, asking me if he gets to see me. I informed him that tonight wasn't good as I had plans... his response, do you have a hot date. I inform him that yes, I do have a date and proceed to tell him I will talk with him later and to have a good evening... His response "Now I won't, thanks
REALLY, YOU ARE GOING TO PULL THAT CRAP WITH ME! I personally believe that you as an individual are responsible for finding happiness and such in life. There are people and situations that add to or detract from it, but the ulitmate decision is yours and you have no one else to blame. This line took me back to my marriage. It was always my fault when anything went wrong of we weren't happy as a couple. I am amazed at how a little phrase can bring back the hurt and pain that was felt. It took me months in counseling to work thru it. Crazy!

I am grateful I recognize it and am able to move past it. I am beyond excited for the weekend and had an absolutely amazing 4th of July weekend with friends and kids! Really I couldn't ask for a better life. I am so grateful for where I am, for being able to keep a roof over my head, having a job, being able to teach, having amazing friends and family... I could go on and on! Life is FANTASTIC!

Too Cute

What a fun weekend! I had my babies from another mother this weekend and we had a blast! Friday night we ran tothe store to pick up bedding for their 'new' beds. As we were finishing up dinner I was taking my birth control and my sweet kids ask me what I was taking. So I carefully explain to them that they are birth control, knowing that Mike has had the changing classes at school. I explain that the medicine can prevent pregnancy, but it helps me with my cramps. Mike cringes and says I know about how girls have periods. So Sabrina pipes in and says, yeah my mom has told me about them and how girls that are really tall can even start their periods at 8. I hope I don't start because I am 8, but I am not tall. It was the cutest conversation and reassurance. So Saturday we are up running errands, doing the grocery shopping and Sabrina pipes up that her tummy is hurting, but it is not the I am hungry hurt or the I am getting sick hurt. So I ask her what kind of hurt is it? She replies, I think it is cramps like when you have your period. It was so cute and funny. It was again a reassuring moment that she is not starting her period at the age of 8, and we went and got something to eat. Problem resolved.

Ahh kids, gotta love them and their understanding of life and the experiences we have. I love their honestly, although it is really hard sometimes to not crack a smile or even giggle a bit with some of the comments. Then there are those comments that break your heart. I am grateful that most of my moments are giggling ones!

Below you can check out the kids new bedding! They were so excited to pick it out! I love seeing the excitement in their eyes with the little things in life. It is a real eye opener and helps me re-analyze my prioritites in life. Thanks Mike and Sabrina, Loves!

Why God Made Moms

WHY GOD MADE MOMS

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:


Why did God make mothers?

1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.

2. Mostly to clean the house.

3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.



How did God make mothers?

1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.

2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.

3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.


What ingredients are mothers made of?

1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.


Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?

1. We're related..

2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mom like me.


What kind of a little girl was your mom?

1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.

2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy..

3. They say she used to be nice.


What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?

1. His last name.

2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?

3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?



Why did your mom marry your dad?

1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot..

2. She got too old to do anything else with him.

3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on. (One of my Favorites!)


Who's the boss at your house?

1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.

2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.

3. I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.


What's the difference between moms and dads?

1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.

2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.

3. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends.

4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine..


What does your mom do in her spare time?

1. Mothers don't do spare time.

2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.


What would it take to make your mom perfect?

1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.

2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.


If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?

1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.

2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it not me.

3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

Nothing like Disneyland!

Dessert First

One day I had lunch with some friends. Jim, a short, balding golfer type about 80 years old, came along with them---all in all, a pleasant bunch.

When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Jim who said, "Ice Cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate.

I wasn't sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast. "Along with heated apple pie," Jim added, completely unabashed.

We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time.. But when our orders were brought out, I didn't enjoy mine.

I couldn't take my eyes off Jim as his pie a-la-mode went down. The other guys couldn’t believe it. They ate their lunches silently and grinned.

The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Jim. I lunched on white meat tuna. He ordered a parfait.
I smiled. He asked if he amused me
I answered, "Yes, you do, but also you confuse me.

How come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible? He laughed and said "I'm tasting all that is Possible.

I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should. But life's so short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good.

This year I realized how old I was. (He grinned) I haven't been this old before."
"So, before I die, I've got to try those things that for years I had ignored.
I haven't smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many trout streams I haven't fished. There's more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead.

There are too many golf courses I haven't played.. I've not laughed at all the jokes. I've missed a lot of sporting events and potato chips and cokes.

I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face. I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace.

I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. I want un-timed long distance calls to the folks I love the most.

I haven't cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain. I need to feel wind on my face. I want to be in love again.

So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I'd say I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart's desire. I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired.."

With that, I called the waitress over.. "I've changed my mind, " I said. "I want what he is having, only add some more whipped cream!"

Live well, love much & laugh often - Be happy.

Be mindful that happiness isn't based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people we like and respect. Remember that while money talks, CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM SINGS!

Happy April Fool's Day!!

FLORIDA COURT SETS ATHEIST HOLY DAY!!!
You must read this...a proper decision by the courts.....for a change.

Gotta love this judge!!!!

FLORIDA COURT SETS ATHEIST Holy day

In Florida, an atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter and Passover Holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians and Jews and observances of their holy days. The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days.

The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring,"Case dismissed!"

The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, "Your honor, How can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays."

The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant."

The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists."

The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day. Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day. Court is adjourned."

You gotta love a Judge that knows his scripture!

Mothers

Real Mothers don't eat quiche;
They don't have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils
Are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors,
Filthy ovens and happy kids.

Real Mothers know that dried play dough
Doesn't come out of carpets.

Real Mothers don't want to know what
The vacuum just sucked up...

Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?'
And get their answer when a little
Voice says, 'Because I love you best.'

Real Mothers know that a child's growth
Is not measured by height or years or grade....
It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother.....

The Images of Mother

4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn’t know everything!

14 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother? She wouldn’t have a clue.
.
16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's so five minutes ago.

18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!

25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!

35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.

45 YEARS - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?

65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,
Because that is the doorway to her heart,
The place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,
But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she
Shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

Going Private

Hey Everyone, I am taking my blog private due to some concerns I have. Please email me your addresses so that you can continue to follow me. Or you are welcome to give me a call.

Loves to you all!

100% True

This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror where one could read it every day. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. You are special and unique.
8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
10. When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look.
11. Always remember the compliments you received.. Forget about the rude remarks.

Good friends are like stars.........
You don't always see them,
But you know they are always there.

"Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another, Even Though Sometimes It's Hell in the Hallway"

I would rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend while I'm here than a whole truck load when I'm gone.

Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Failures keeps You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only
God keeps You Going

'Worry looks around, sorry looks back, Faith looks up.'

Another Week

Here is it, the ending of a week and the beginning of a new week! I survived another 70+ hour week, the 3rd in a row! I calculate the 70+ hours between the day job, teaching, school, rehearsing and doing homework. The rehearsing will end in two weeks when Southpointe Ballet performs Copellia. The performances are Friday and Saturday, February 19th and 20th at the Summit Academy in Draper (1225 East 13200 South). The performances are at 7:00 PM both nights with a 2:00 Matinee on Saturday. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children. Everyone should come and see what my dancers have been up to. I was worried about the show until our first full run though yesterday! It is coming together and will be a great show! I am very proud of the girls and guys!

This last week was rough, my emotions were still a bit out of wack and I was in a why me mode... so I decided this weekend it was time to wake up and get out of it. I think that we all need those 'attitude' adjustments in life. I remembered a friends advice and a story once told. He was struggling in life and decided to think about everything he had to be grateful for and ended up writing a song about it. I decided to do this and to start thinking of every thing I have to be grateful for. I realized today that 5 days a week I have the opportunity to see the sun rise and sunset at least 5 days a week. What a beautiful site. I get to teach an amazing group of children and see them grow, learn and become amazing people who bless my life. Think of the moisture we receive, the flowers, trees grass, modern technologies that allow me to communicate with my brothers who are far away, my amazing friends who have helped me get thru some very tough times. I have amazing guy friends as well who have taught me some amazing lessons and who treat me with the utmost respect and love. I have several great jobs who help me in being self sufficent, I get to attend school to further my career of choice. I have the peace and assurance that one day I will be a wife and mother and fullfill that portion of dreams. I am looking forward to continuing on this journey called life and the adventures it will allow me to have!

Survivor...

So I have been struggling a bit lately in life, at work, with teaching, defining my relationships/friendships, and such. I have been looking back at the lessons I learned over the last several years thru the trials and blessings I have experienced. I have been debating about sharing the story of my marriage, with the ups and downs, as well as the divorce, which is the toughest trial I have been thru in my life so far. I don't think it completely stems from the actual divorce, but from many of the experiences that took place during the marriage. Tonight I again made the realization that I am a survivor. This was made while watching some TV and a similar situation that was expressed on the show.

Hind sight is 20/20... I survived the death of my best friend, her younger brother (who was my adopted younger brother as well), my parents divorce at the age of 28. I have survived a relationship where I was emotionally, spiritually, verbally, and even physically abused. Now it wasn't like this all of the time. We had some great times together, but I realized that I completely lost myself, cut myself off from friends, activites that I loved, and family. I immersed myself in the relationship. I got up went to work, went to teach and came home to my husband, whom I loved and just wanted to be the best wife and give him all that his heart desired. I lost myself. I have since realized that the bruises from the poking, the 'tickling' and such were not signs of love. The bruises and welts have long since healed, but the emotional scares re-surface every so often, which they did this last week. I feel horrible. I got very upset with a very dear friend who has stood by my side thru deaths, my marriage, my divorce and other good and hard times. I feel like it was out of a bit of jealousy. This friend is in an amazing marriage, with a beautiful child and one on the way. She is having a bit of a rough pregnancy and was venting/stressing a bit. I told her that I would give anything to be in her shoes, a great marriage, children, a husband that loves and supports you in all ways and allows you to do the same for him. So, to this person, you know who you are, I am so sorry.

I also made the realization tonight, that I will have that one day, I know that without a shadow of a doubt. I hope and pray that I can let down my wall so that I can allow a special someone into my life. I will admit I have some trust issues, but I am also very aware of behaviors in my guy friends and the gentlemen that I date. I have been blessed with an amazing counselor, who has given me some 'warning' signs to watch for and amazing friends who have always stood by my side, even when I overstep my bounds.

Thank you to my family and friends for everything. Now life has been amazing as well. I have 2 amazing children from another mother, hundreds of students from teaching that I get to see grow and progress in many aspects of life, from college, to marriage to babies, I have seen Europe and places across the US, I have an amazing family and friends. I have learned lessons thru my experiences that I could not have learned any other way. I am grateful for all of these lessions and experiences. I too hope and pray that my past relationship(s) find that special someone who will make them happy in everyway.

I am going to be an Eagle and Soar!

Ducks Quack-Eagles Soar

Ducks Quack - Eagles Soar
No one can make you serve customers well....that's because great service is a choice.
Harvey Mackay, tells a wonderful story about a cab driver that proved this point.

He was waiting in line for a ride at the airport. When a cab pulled up, the first thing Harvey noticed was that the taxi was polished to a bright shine. Smartly dressed in a white shirt, black tie, and freshly pressed black slacks, the cab driver jumped out and rounded the car to open the back passenger door for Harvey .

He handed my friend a laminated card and said: 'I'm Wally, your driver. While I'm loading your bags in the trunk I'd like you to read my mission statement.'

Taken aback, Harvey read the card. It said: Wally's Mission Statement: To get my customers to their destination in the quickest, safest and cheapest way possible in a friendly environment....

This blew Harvey away. Especially when he noticed that the inside of the cab matched the outside. Spotlessly clean!

As he slid behind the wheel, Wally said, 'Would you like a cup of coffee? I have a thermos of regular and one of decaf.' My friend said jokingly, 'No, I'd prefer a soft drink.' Wally smiled and said, 'No problem. I have a cooler up front with regular and Diet Coke, water and orange juice.' Almost stuttering, Harvey said, 'I 'll take a Diet Coke.'

Handing him his drink, Wally said, 'If you'd like something to read, I have The Wall Street Journal, Time, Sports Illustrated and USA Today..'

As they were pulling away, Wally handed my friend another laminated card, 'These are the stations I get and the music they play, if you'd like to listen to the radio.'

And as if that weren't enough, Wally told Harvey that he had the air conditioning on and asked if the temperature was comfortable for him. Then he advised Harvey of the best route to his destination for that time of day. He also let him know that he'd be happy to chat and tell him about some of the sights or, if Harvey preferred, to leave him with his own thoughts...

'Tell me, Wally,' my amazed friend asked the driver, 'have you always served customers like this?'

Wally smiled into the rear view mirror. 'No, not always. In fact, it's only been in the last two years. My first five years driving, I spent most of my time complaining like all the rest of the cabbies do. Then I heard the personal growth guru, Wayne Dyer, on the radio one day.

He had just written a book called You'll See It When You Believe It. Dyer said that if you get up in the morning expecting to have a bad day, you'll rarely disappoint yourself. He said, 'Stop complaining! Differentiate yourself from your competition. Don't be a duck. Be an eagle. Ducks quack and complain. Eagles soar above the crowd.'

'That hit me right between the eyes,' said Wally. 'Dyer was really talking about me. I was always quacking and complaining, so I decided to change my attitude and become an eagle. I looked around at the other cabs and their drivers.. The cabs were dirty, the drivers were unfriendly, and the customers were unhappy. So I decided to make some changes. I put in a few at a time. When my customers responded well, I did more.'

'I take it that has paid off for you,' Harvey said.

'It sure has,' Wally replied. 'My first year as an eagle, I doubled my income from the previous year. This year I'll probably quadruple it. You were lucky to get me today. I don't sit at cabstands anymore. My customers call me for appointments on my cell phone or leave a message on my answering machine. If I can't pick them up myself, I get a reliable cabbie friend to do it and I take a piece of the action.'

Wally was phenomenal. He was running a limo service out of a Yellow Cab. I've probably told that story to more than fifty cab drivers over the years, and only two took the idea and ran with it. Whenever I go to their cities, I give the m a call. The rest of the drivers quacked like ducks and told me all the reasons they couldn't do any of what I was suggesting.

Wally the Cab Driver made a different choice. He decided to stop quacking like ducks and start soaring like eagles.
How about us? Smile, and the whole world smiles with you.... The ball is in our hands!
A man reaps what he sows. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up... let us do good to all people.
Ducks Quack, Eagles Soar Have a nice day, unless you already have other plans.





**
SORROW looks back, WORRY looks around, and FAITH looks UP... BECAUSE OF FATHER'S LOVE, I AM CHANGED!!! "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain."

New Years!

What a fantastic New Years! I had no plans for new years eve at all. I had bought myself some sparkling grape juice and was just planning on hanging at home. I prefer not to be on the roads that night due to the increased number of intoxicated drivers. Well the day before... December 30th, I talk to one of my best friends, and he too had zero plans for New Years... but he also was not feeling well. So the decision was made to chat on the 31st and see how he was feeling and decide what to do... I could not have been more elated and excited. I have known Chris for 5 years, and we have stuck by each others side through some very trying times. So New Year's Eve rolls around and the decision has been made to head to the mountains and meet up with his parents at their cabin. So with in an hour I was packed and off to the mountains to have an incredible time. The cabin and the area is absolutely gorgeous and so peaceful. We played games, watched a movied and rang in the new year with sparkling cider. It was a great time had by all, Amazing Friends, Great Food, fantastic games and a great movie. It was so nice to spend time with Chris, Pam and Steve. We had not seen each other for a very long time. I am so grateful for the friendships that have been made with these 3 amazing people. I met them 5 years ago, by chance. What a huge blessing! Love you all!

This is the scene I woke up to.. The peaceful scenery and even serenity was amazing. I am so grateful I was able to spend the start of a new decade with such amazing people. This next decade is going to be fantastic and started out with a bang! Wahoo.

I get to start school in a week, back to work and teaching tomorrow! Look out life, I am back and ready to accomplish! Happy New Year to All!

Christmas!

I can not believe that it is now 2010. The last decade passed so quickly. Christmas this year was great! I actually put a tree for the first time in a couple years and reall felt the Christmas Spirit. I started the Christmas season off by going with my mom to see The Forgotten Carols. I love starting the Christmas Season off by seeing that show and have done so for the last several years. I am grateful that my mom went with me. It is something we used to do as a family every year... then when my dad left it, that ended. I continued to go each year with different friends or the man I was dating, but it was wonderful to see it with my mom. The Christmas Recital was on the 12th, a bit earlier this year than normal, but honestly that was nice. I enjoyed the time off and being able to assist with the Coppeila rehearsals for the week after the recital. We almost completed the first act of Copelia in that week, amazing! I am excited that we are doing a new ballet this year. My sweet Michael and Sabrina had the opportunity to go and enjoy the lights and the feeling at Temple Square as well. What a gorgeous sight and an amazing time with my sweet kids. They are so much more in tune and smarter than I was at that age. They truly understand the meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate it. Later in the month the kids nd I got together to celebrate our Christmas and exchange our presents. I picked the kids up on the 29th of December and we first met up withsome of my very dear friends for dinner. We headed up to Red Robin in blizzard like conditions and met my old college roomie, Laura, who we called and still call Larda, her hubby and her in-laws, Corey and Shannon, as well as their kids. It is such a small world. Larda and I were roomies in college at SUU, and her brother in law, Corey and I used to work together at Working RX. It was so fun to see them all and Mike and Sabrina got to see Tia and Katlyn (Shannon and Corey's) again. What a terrific evening. After dinner we came home and opened our presents. Then curled up and watched Secondhand Lions. Michael and Sabrina love to swim, so after breakfast we headed over to the swimming pool for a bit of fun! It was sad to take them back to their Mom #1's house, but they are just the best and most kind hearted children. They wanted to spein time with their mom before she went to work.

What a fantastic Christmas Season!

Christmas Pictures!