"SEMS Track Meet"

Since starting Middle School R.J. has had many opportunities to try new sports.  He just tried out and made the Track Team this year.  The events he is participating is the High Jump and the 400 Relay.  I hardly see him anymore due to track practice after school and baseball practice in

 the evening.  How's it going to be

 when he's in High School?!  Once again R.J. is waking up Rob and I to go running with him in the morning (before the sun comes up) to condition and train himself.  He's preparing for the District Track Meet, where all the middle schools in the district compete to bring home the most "hardware".  He did great the day of the 

meet.  He came in fifth place for the high jump and his relay team came in first!  

At the end of the meet San Elijo Middle School won the whole thing.  We won the most ribbons!   He was so excited and we were so proud of all his hard work. 

"Father's & Son's Outing, Mother's & Daughter's Outing"

Once a year the ward has their "Fathers and Sons Outing". They have it at Dixon Ranch and every man and child attends. I am not sure what all takes place up there. But, what I do know is that they return home wearing the same clothes they left in and are extremely tired and dirty. As for the girls, we take a more relaxed approach to out outings. This time we went and got pedicures, grabbed something to eat then went to Monee's to watch a movie. That's my kind of night! The girls and Mothers were very happy to stay at home and let the boys have their own kind of fun.

"My 15 Minutes of Fame!"

I am famous!  Head on over to the gab blog and see why.  She is the "Barbara Walters" of the Blog World and has interviewed me for her "Gab Talk: 7 Questions" segment that she features on her blog.  Thanks Gab for giving me MY "15 Minutes of Fame", it was a pleasure to do!

"SEES 5th Grade Student of the Year"

We got a phone call from the Principal calling about Madison (it scared me to death).  It was not "That" kind of  call, it was the "Good" kind of call that every parent wants to receive.  She informed me that I would be getting a letter in the mail announcing that Madison was chosen to be San Elijo's 5th Grade Student of the 2008-2009 School Year.  She said that each 5th grade teacher chose a student from their class to be nominated, then the teachers get together for a meeting to discuss the nominations.  

Each teacher then  campaigns for their student and then they 

vote on which child they want to represent the 5th 

grade.  Our Madison was chosen!  She was honored at an awards assembly put on by the Chamber of Commerce.  The Mayor of San Marcos was there to present the children their medals.  As the children went on stage to accept their awards, someone read about the qualities and the accomplishments of that  student.  I loved what they said about 

Madison, "She doesn't ever seek the lime-light but, she has a light that follows her where ever she goes.  She is always 

shinning and stands out amongst her peers." They described Madison perfectly!  We are very proud of our girl and hopes she continues to be that light!

"Grateful"

I didn't really want to tell anyone that I was having neck surgery and going to have my thyroid removed.  I have a hard time with accepting help but, since I am on the mend and almost over this hurdle I just have to say, Thank You to my "little helpers" that didn't listen and helped anyways.  I appreciate NOW that you did for me!  This surgery was a lot harder than I anticipated.  And I consider myself tough and have a very high tolerance for 

pain!  My surgeon was able to save half my thyroid and 3 out of 4 of my vocal cords.  He said my incision was larger than normal due to the big size of my thyroid.  

But, also added that my neck was a pleasure to work on, very long and beautiful (I think that was the first time anyone has said that about MY neck!)  My big nodules inside my neck are gone and now are replaced with scary "The Bride of Frankenstein" stitches.  After spending two horrible days in the hospital I was ready to come home.  I am so grateful for a husband who spent the entire time with me.  He was my greatest advocate making sure I had the best care, pain medication and hospital room.   And doing all this while ignoring his own hatred for anything hospital, stitches, 

 blood or I.V.s!  I am grateful for loving parents that would not take no for an answer and came to take 

care of their baby (they still call me that) anyways.  I didn't know how much 

I would really need them or WANT them.  They have taken care of everything so Rob could go back to work.  I don't think anyone but my mom could take care of my incision without gagging!  And my dad is the best carpool driver ever.  They make it okay for me to fall asleep and not worry about my household.  

I am grateful to my sweetest, best sisters (Michele & Laura) for picking up all the slack.  Taking the kids every where they need to be, making dinner, letting my kids spend the night and taking them for ice cream.  And for just visiting me and telling me my neck looks great, even when I know they are lying.  I

 am grateful to have a best friend (Allison) 

who is there for me just like my family any time I need her.  Who brings me a basket full of "goodies & Trashy Magazines" to help pass the time in bed.  I am grateful for Visiting Teachers (Karyn & Lisa) who "secretly" got meals together for my family.  And for all my good friends who helped bring in the fabulous, gourmet dinners.  My 

whole family appreciates your service and love.  It is times like these even though it is hard, I can feel the love around me.  I am embarrassed I tried to push it away, because I really do feel good.  And I am looking forward to the time when I can help out one of my "Little Helpers".  Don't be like me and try to say, no!  But, accept gracefully because it's going to happen anyways. 

"Women's Conference 2009"

This past Women's Conference marked the 6th year that our group of friends have been attending the conference together.  We pack about 10 of us girls into my sister Michele's three bedroom condo. 

We are squished and some how

 we 

are all able to get ready in time sharing two bathrooms.  But, we wouldn't have it any other way.  We always find 

ourselves cramped into the master bedroom, all lying on the beds and air mattresses, sharing stories,

 advice and having mini-therapy sessions way 

into the wee hours of the morning.  This year we laughed too hard and too loud and got a "Thump-Thump" o

n the wall, from the neighbor warning 

us we were getting a little to rowdy!  This year we did something new, Allison had a great idea to add "Bling" to our WC name tags.  So, Michele, Allison and I decorated them for all the girls.  We wanted them to stand out. 

 Another hi-light of my trip was going to dinner at my SIL Heather's house.  There I got to catch up with some blogging friends, who I wish 

I got to visit in person more often!  I appreciate this time away to attend Conference.  Not only do I Shop, 

eat at great restaurants, go to movies, spend time with friends but, I truly feel this

 is where my

 testimony grows as a women,

 mother and wife.  When I return home I feel renewed and uplifted and ready to integrate what I learned into my family's and my life.

"Temple Baptisms"

Another great experience that happens at the age of 12 is Baptisms for the Dead. R.J. was found worthy to go to the temple and participate in them for the first time. He was a little nervous but, plenty excited. I am so glad he had the opportunity to be interviewed and be asked the same questions I am asked to receive a temple recommend. I hope he always remembers those questions and lives accordingly. The day of the baptisms all the youth meet together and go to eat. This time we went to Chipotle. All the youth were having a good time with one another. Then, we all went to the temple. Sis. Sorensen (Tanya Scott's Mother) welcomed the youth and shared a few thoughts with them. It was so peaceful and quiet in the baptistery. And my heart was full of joy to be in this special, sacred house with my son. I am so glad Rob was able to provide some of our families names for R.J. to be baptized for. It made it that more special. I was able to be at the font waiting for him with a towel and witness Rob baptize R.J. It was a moment I don't ever want to forget. As R.J. climbed out of the font he gave me a little squeeze. I know that the spirit was there and he told me later he felt it too.

"Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend"

While reading the scriptures early this morning I ran my finger across my wedding ring (I have a habit of doing that!)  Instead of feeling the smooth, roundness of my diamond, I felt sharp, jagged prongs!  I shouted out, "It's gone!" right in the middle of Madison reading her last verse (I startled everyone.)  I am in panic mode, I don't know the last place that my ring had my diamond.  I am sick to my stomach thinking I will never see it again!  I have searched my bed and closet and bedroom floor.  Rob put that ring on my finger almost 14 years ago, my heart is broken!