'There ain't no bugs on me.' - boy scout song

Today I am grateful for something, but only because I am COMPELLED to be grateful, and I'm not happy about it. I do not like mosquitoes. I loathe mosquitoes. I have always said that when I get to create a world, there will be no mosquitoes or morning glory. But today I learned the single, solitary virtue of the mosquito. It is the only insect that can polinate the cocoa tree, which produces...you guessed it...CHOCOLATE! What a dilemma I find myself in, because chocolate is something my world must most definitely have! Oh well. I'm hoping that the heightened sense of intelligence we may someday possess will be able to come up with an alternate plan, but until then, I will try hard not to complain. But I will still squash them if they try to sting me as I melt my marshmallow over a fire and squeeze it between graham crackers and a double layer of chocolate!

'California Dreamin' - Mamas and the Papas

Taylor loves to golf and that is something he and his dad enjoy doing together. Taylor has always wanted to golf some of the great courses in California (as has his dad), so Gary worked his magic and this week the two of them spent a couple of days golfing Pebble Beach, Spyglass and Poppy Hills. Taylor leaves in less than 2 months for his mission and I know this was something they will always remember. So when I found 13 golf tees in one load that almost jammed my washing machine, I smiled and was grateful.

'Families Can Be Together Forever' - hymn #300

My heart is full of gratitude tonight. We just got home from the temple, where we were able to witness the sealing of our beloved Grandpa Jay and Grandma Jerrie. Their sealing was done for them by their son Rick, and his wife Jean. Jay and Jerrie moved in next door after Rick and Jean moved to Highland and almost instantly became a part of our family. It took a little coaxing at first, but Jay had a riding lawn mower, and that's all our little Benji (a toddler at the time) needed as motivation to convince them they needed him. Jay and Jerrie soon became his two best friends. He was struggling to learn how to talk and didn't socialize with other kids very much because of it. But Jerrie and Jay spoke his language and he loved them for it. They were both so patient with our wild band of indians. We were devastated when Jerrie passed suddenly in July 2005. This picture of her and I was taken on Mother's Day of that year. Jay graciously granted me permission to do her temple work on her birthday the next summer. Jay was so lonely without her, but had tremendous love and support from his two boys and their families. He passed just as suddenly in the summer 0f 2007. We miss them terribly. Jay and Jerrie were two of the most honest, generous, good-hearted people I've ever known. I cannot wait to see them again.

'Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice' - hymn #21

Another reason I love fall so much, is because of General Conference. With the changing of the seasons, as leaves begin to fall, I am lifted and hopeful that I too can shed weighty matters and bad habits. I love the inspired direction and loving words of our church leaders. When our 5 kids were small, getting everyone to pay attention to conference was more difficult. By the end of the week-end, I often felt like I'd slowly been pecked to death by a duck, but it does get easier. I got a great idea from my friend Jana, and for family scripture study this summer, we tried to listen to one conference talk every day, with everyone highlighting their personal copy of the Ensign conference issue. It worked so well, that we'll do it again next summer. I love conference and I am so grateful it will be here in less than 3 weeks!

'Look for the bare necessities' - The Jungle Book

Today I am grateful as I reflect on one of the unique challenges of mothering boys. I wish I could say my subtle lid reminder works all the time. I took this picture several summers ago when our two littlest ones were more concerned with getting back outside to play than with privacy. It does make me smile. And this is a note to my future daughters-in-law, wherever they are...I did teach them better!

'I'm just a girl who can't say no!' - Carousel

What is it about Mondays? It seems almost twice as long as any other day of the week. Maybe it's because of early-out day at school. We still have to get up early and get all of our morning stuff done, then it seems the kids are home before I've even dressed for the day! They are ready for a full day of fun and play after the chores and lessons are done, not to mention family home evening fun. I often resort to one of my favorite things to help me get through the day...SEE'S chocolates! I'm weak, I know. My favorites right now are dark bordeauxs, dark butterchews and butterscotch squares...mmmmmm!

'All American Girls' - Sister Sledge

Last night I went to Highland's Junior Miss Pageant. I had been helping a darling friend of mine prepare and she did a great job, winning both fitness and interview preliminaries...way to go Cassie! Watching the program, I realized it was 25 years ago that I competed for Utah's Junior Miss. Yes, 25 years! This summer, Elayne Wells Harmer, Liz Tanner and I got together for lunch to catch up and we snapped this picture. Elayne was Utah's Junior Miss 1983 and Liz and I were her runners-up, and our theme that year that we danced to was 'All American Girls.' I wish I had a picture from way back then! I've always been involved with the Miss America Organization over the years, first competing, then coaching, judging and directing, but I've been disappointed by the direction the program has taken in recent years. But I will always love and support Junior Miss! Last night I was talking with the state director about the need for a program in American Fork, but I have too much on my plate right now to take it on myself. Maybe someday!

'Rise and Shout! The cougars are out!' - BYU fight song

Fridays are wonderful days. Not just because it's the end of the week, but because I get to spend the better part of the day on BYU campus. I recently accepted a call to serve on the BYU Women's Conference committee, and work with a handful of exceptional, devoted sisters. I am thoroughly enjoying the planning process...every Friday feels like Women's Conference! I'm definitely one of the youngest, and the only BYU drop-out I fear, but all I can do is my best and savor the moment! It's also fun just being on campus again, especially as the weather starts to change and the smell of fall is in the air. Gary and I have such wonderful memories there. He loves to show the kids the exact spot on the sidewalk next to the Knight Mangum building where we met. They recently tore that old building down. I'll have to drive by next Friday and see if the sidewalk and the bush are still there...

'Called to Serve' - hymn #249

I am thinking, breathing, reading, and loving missionaries at our house right now. Our oldest son, Spencer, has been serving in the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Mission since October 2007, and this November, Taylor will leave for the Guatemala, Guatemala Central City mission. We will have two elders serving for nearly a year and my heart is just about to burst. When I signed up to love and raise four sons, I didn't anticipate the depth and breadth of emotions their nineteenth birthdays would bring.

'Feels like the first time.' - Boston

Well, this is my very first blog entry. I was inspired by several friends and a sister-in-law who have delightful blogs which I thoroughly enjoy reading! But it took one of my sweet YW from long ago to give me just the push I needed to attempt this very scary high-tech adventure. The older I get, the faster time goes. It seems like just last Sunday we were playing hide and seek from Gary when he came home from the bishop's office. But in reality he took this picture 10 years ago. So, if this will help me live in the moment a little better, and enjoy my babies a little more, I'm certainly willing to give it a try.