Big Daddy & BekBek

This Is It...

2008-05-01T10:32:00.000-07:00

Well, this is it...my last blog. I love to blog, but after re-evaluating I have decided that this is something that I need to let go. I am just too sick to keep this going. I will continue to read your blogs and will LOVE every minute of it...so please keep going. The bare neccessities are the things I need to concentrate on and will let go of many things I love, but just are unable to do.

As Crystal (from Biblical Womanhood) says,

"I need to do all things in strength and grace to fulfill His calling in my life."

Right now, for me, to fulfill my 'callings' I need to direct the energy I have in other ways. Please do not think that I think blogging is not a good thing. I think it is a GREAT thing to keep connected to loved ones...so all of you that read this...and blog...keep blogging. I love this passtime and hope to be able to begin blogging again soon.

LOTS OF LOVE TO ALL OF YOU!

Tagged

2008-04-22T12:29:00.000-07:00

Oh 'Momzoo' tagged me and I am to write the Top 10 reasons why I like to Blog!
So here it goes!
10-It is fun to be a blog stalker! I look at blogs of old friends and take a peek into their lives and they don't even know it! But, it really bugs me when I know people are doing the same thing to me!
9-Blogging helps me put things into perspective in my own life as I think ,a lot, about what I will blog about.
8-Since I have been sick it has gotten pretty lonely on many days and blogging has been a great friend. I have really liked getting comments.
7-As I have checked out others blogs I have learned so much stuff! I have tried some great recipes...I am making cowboy beans and cornbread today that I got from "Confessions of a Pioneer Woman". I have been spiritually uplifted from an Easter post on "Biblical Womanhood". I have ordered some books from another and learned about a new craft project from another and been given a boost to straighten up and get organized (thanks Aimee) and the list goes on and on.
6-I try to post things that maybe others might learn or be edified or even laugh...as a return favor to those that have done the same for me.
5-It is a really fun way to get connected and stay connected to family members and friends and even those that check my blog out and don't comment!! We all know what is going on in each others lives and that helps to bind us together in a unique way.
4-BD even checks out my blog to see what is going on in my head! I wish he had a blogspot!
3-Blogging has helped me become more efficient on my computer. I can do a lot more things because I have learned how to do all kinds of stuff so I can do blog posts!
2-Blogging is the "in" thing to do...and since I can't look or dress or act "in" or "hip" or whatever (see I don't even know the right way to say it)...at least I can blog.
1-I really have no idea why I do this because it really does expose my life and my thoughts and my weaknesses. I guess I just thought if I could share my life with you...that you would share your life with me....and we could be friends! Wow, I think I just wrote a song!

I am tagging Rachel Alder, Ann Montgomery and Abby

Spring

2008-04-22T12:11:00.001-07:00

Could it really be true that Spring is really here or is it just another joke from Mother Nature?

Spring is not my favorite season. I love Winter and Summer and Fall...but Spring...not so much. In Utah it seems that Spring is just a bunch of ups and downs. I will just get my hopes up and think warm weather is here...and we will get blasted with a frost or East wind or both!
This year it has been so cold for so long that I am barely seeing blooms on my tulips. I have planted some Spring veggies and they are slow coming up. I hope they will produce before it is time to pull them up to make room for the summer ones. Spring is something you can't count on around here. I am anxiously awaiting Summer!

Blog Blessings

2008-04-19T18:33:00.001-07:00

I think blogging is fun, but more than that I am amazed how it has connected family and friends! I have looked at blogs of people I don't even know and have received some good ideas to run my household better, recipes and even had a good laugh or two. A couple days ago I checked in on a blog called "Chickens in the Road". She had a GREAT recipe for something called Grandmother Bread. It sounded good so I tried it...and it was delicious! I think it will become one of my favortie recipes. The neat thing about it is that it can be all done by hand and it is easy or it can all be done in my Kitchenaid mixer and it is easy! Let me just tell you it was good. And also let me tell you all

Thanks for blogging.

I love the pictures.

Thanks for your comments...many days they keep me going...literally!!!

Answers

2008-04-17T21:03:00.000-07:00

Oh, I wholeheartedly agree with your comments about the draw backs of womanhood! Shaving...bras...veins...andthe uterus issues!!! Yes, ain't it great being a girl!
Aimee asked what i would do differently when raising kids...if I could do it all over again...
Good question. I can answer that ONLY because I am older and wiser and I'm not raising any children any more! First of all I would take more seriously the admonition from the Prophets to have family prayer, scripture study and FHE. We did this...but I would be more consistant. I totally believe that this helps put ALL things in the proper perspective. I remember one year when my kids were really little that we did not go to the park all summer long. Oh, my laundry was done and the house was clean and my church calling fulfilled.etc. etc....but we never had 'time' to go to the park. I have felt guilty about this...forever. I think even these kinds of things are helped by doing the "big 3" things first.
So...to all you young moms out there remember that when you do things in 'wisdom and order' that 'great things will be brought to pass'.

Aint it Great

2008-04-15T21:19:00.000-07:00

Aint it great being a girl? I am just sitting here eating my edamame and sweating like a...well...there is no lady like way to put it...like a pig! Oh, I think this stuff is working, but it is a long way from a cure! I am really getting sick and tired of being so hot. BD just looked out the window and it is snowing! I would LOVE to take off my clothes and go running out there just to cool down to a normal 98.6...or is it 96.8? Anyway it doesn't really matter to me because I am easily 999.666!!! So, you have heard it from me.
What is your biggest 'beef' about being a girl?
If I ruled the world I think I would take care of the hormone issue!

TV

2008-04-14T17:04:00.000-07:00

Well, it is certainly time for a new post! I must apologize for not keeping up lately...I have had bloggeritis. Every time I thought about doing a new post I just felt queazy, so I have been avoiding it. But, I feel better now!
If I could change the world do you know what I would change today?
I would tell the TV people to get their act together. Have you noticed that when you get the volume just right for your TV viewing...and everything is going along just fine...and then when the commercials come on you get BLASTED!! That is always when BD comes along and says, "Can you hear it ok?" So, I turn it down...and when the commercials are over I can't hear the dang thing!
I have no idea how to change this...but if I could, I surely would.
Thanks for your questions last week.
If you have any more pressing problems, feel free to ask.
I feel better now and will get right on it!
The gas issue was a big deal and so I do recommend that all of us stay away from Mobile and Exxon gas stations...and yes Kathy was right about why.

Answers

2008-04-09T12:26:00.000-07:00

Thank you for asking me some very important questions. First of all let's discuss the price of gas! I have heard that the very best way that we, as the ordinary people, can do anything to make a difference is to STOP buying gas at all Mobile and Exxon gas stations! If all Americans would do this it would force gas prices down! But, I went by an Exxon station yesterday and the cars were lined up waiting to buy their gas. I just don't get it. So, pass the word around and maybe we can change things!

Now, about children fighting and minding....Well, what can I say. Look at what my kids are STILL doing and they are adults!
Seriously, I can give you some great advice because I have finished the task. It is just like when

you don't have any children you have all the answers for those that do!

First of all...most of the time the kids are fighting for YOUR attention!

If you can force yourself to not get involved and allow the kids to work things out. This is really hard to do because when the kids realize you are not stepping in to 'referee' they get louder and more intense. It will take a few fights, but the kids will settle down and realize that they can nicely work out their differences with one another. If you really look at it there are a very few times when you need to be involved in their fights. Let them work it out.

Next....minding. There is only one answer for this and that is to be CONSISTANT.

Give them rewards and consequences for their actions and stick to it.

For example, if you ask them to do the dishes and they don't do it...then they know they cannot watch TV the rest of the night.

Or, if they do the dishes they know that they get a huge hug and kiss and a thank you and an offer for an extra story at bedtime.

You never have to yell or get mad or ask more than once...because they get a reward or consequence of their choosing. Once they figure out it is their choice they become better at minding because they don't feel forced and they feel like they are in charge. Funny thing is...they aren't...you are! Just be consistant.

Both of these things are HUGE issues when the kids are young. I know the anguish of trying to get the kids to mind and to get them to stop fighting. I think you can try all the techniques in the world but the thing that truly was the BIGGEST help to me was to follow the prophets council to have FAMILY HOME EVENING and to read the BOOK OF MORMON every day. The promises that have been made to us if we do these two things are amazing. We are promised that there will be more harmony in our homes and that children will be more obedient!

Exactly what we are looking for!

Just remember I only THINK I know everything! So take my suggestions with a grain of salt!

If I Ruled the World

2008-04-07T19:47:00.000-07:00

If I ruled the world I would do some things differently...for sure. I have a whole list of things that drive me crazy, and, if someone would just ask me...I could fix this world and make it a better place. The thing is...nobody asks me! I need to be Oprah or Glenn Beck!

I thought maybe I would offer my advice and wisdom to YOU...in all humility of coarse!

So, just ask me!

Let me tell you one thing I would do to 'change the world'.

You know the dispensers of sanitizer that the grocery stores have so you can easily clean the shopping carts and your hands? Well, have you noticed that they are almost always empty? What good are the cute little dispensers if they are always empty?

What about having an employee being assigned to keep those things refilled!

If stores can have 'greeters' why not?

Why is it such a big deal to have those handy little wipes...handy?

I am not complaining, I am just saying, I would do some things differently,

and in my humble opinion,

BETTER!

OK, if you have something that doesn't seem quite right, or something you need fixed,

just ask me!

I'll tell you how it really is and together we'll solve the world's problems!

Getting Old

2008-03-31T10:37:00.000-07:00

I am really getting old! Not only did my husband turn 50...but I did the unimaginable! Yesterday we had all the kids over for a nice Sunday dinner and...I made a "relish tray". Yes, a fancy crystal tray with pickles and olives. Can you believe it?! I always thought that was what very old ladies did when they had a special dinner. Oh my! It was a hit and every single pickle and olive was eaten... so I will probably do it again...and that will just confirm it. I am a very old lady. I guess I might as well accept it and embrace it and just enjoy it cause it 'aint gonna change!

Happy BirthdayBigDaddy

2008-03-28T16:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Big Daddy!
This is not just ANY birthday for Mark...this is the big 50! I had a huge suprise birthday party planned for him with a live band and everything...of coarse most of you already know that because you were invited and then uninvited...Big Daddy did not think the party was a good idea and reminded me that what 'goes around comes around'..so I cancelled the shin-dig...ok so really the whole thing was just to be funny so don't feel offended if you didn't get a flyer!
I couldn't think of a thing to do or a present to buy that could say Happy Birthday good enough for the 50 years of Mark's life. I have had to settle for dinner on the town with the family and some token gifts...and this little tribute! I could list 50 reasons why Mark is great...but that would really get boring, so I will condense it down to the BIG TOP 5!!!
1-Mark is so NICE. He is so very kind hearted. He even treats strangers nice. He is really trying to help me be nice. (He thinks I need a lot of help in this area) but, what a great teacher I have.
2-Mark is so GENEROUS. He is generous with both his time and his money. I know I can call on him for any reason and he never says no. Not only is he generous with me...he spoils the kids and grandkids really bad. I am sure if you are reading this ...you have been on the receiving end of his generous ways!
3-Mark is devoted to his religion. He is a MORMON MAN. He honors his Priesthood and follows the Lord's every command. I respect and honor him for this and try to be as devoted as he is.
4-Mark is a wonderful HUSBAND and FATHER and PA. We all love him. He is the man of my dreams...really I used to dream about him...and I still do! He is a great example to copy to be a great husband, father and grandpa.
5-Mark is LOVEABLE. He is fun to be around because he is accepting and funny and fun. Everybody loves him. If he has been your boss or bishop or neighbor or relative...you just love him...of coarse I love him more than anyone else does. I am almost sure of that! He is my beacon in the dark. I love him with every capacity I have...and can't even say more than that.
But most of all I love him because he loves me...he loves me no matter my size or shape or mood . He loves me no matter how I feel or what I do. Big Daddy is simply wonderful.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG DADDY!
(oh boy, is he ever gonna be crazy when he sees this post!)

What a Day!

2008-03-27T09:46:00.000-07:00

I am still trying to get back on Utah time...and was feeling REALLY tired when look who showed up at my door!!! Just seeing Brigs and Poots gave me a boost and I felt like a millon bucks after they left. They were the best part of my day. Being a BokBok is the BEST!!

Here is Poots playing with Dannon and Brooke's new puppy. He was fascinated with the puppy.
Nothing can be more fun for Brigs than a bat and a ball! He really can hit the ball...and then he loves to run and slide in safe at home. What a great day!

Aloha Oe

2008-03-23T23:38:00.000-07:00

As BD looks longingly into the sunset we realize that our week here in Paradise is coming to a close. We have truly relaxed totally and completely. In fact never before have we had a vacation quite like this one. The sights and sounds and foods have been so wonderful. We could not have asked for anything more and could not have needed anything more. BD deserves the break from being my care taker and the bread winner. Some how he has ended up with a really bad sore throat! He thinks it is from eating too much Hawaiian pineapple..but he has been kinda miserable the last few days...but it has been worth it. I guess we would all trade a week in heaven for a sore throat? Hopefully is will clear up as soon as we eat like normal.
This photo was taken on our last night while we were sitting on Sunset Beach. What an appropraite name for the beach right? We realize that all good things must come to an end. But just like each sunset promises a brand new day we know that all good things await us as we return home. We sure have missed our family! Aloha!

Aloha

2008-03-20T22:34:00.000-07:00

Aloha from the island of Oahu!

We had a great day at the beach.

We watched these big sea turtles in the sand and we saw whales out in the ocean. The whales really gave us a show!
This is how beautiful it is everywhere we look!
Here BD is enjoying a shaved ice from the famous Matsumotos
We have been eating like kings...or pigs...with Genes cooking we can't go wrong.

Here is BD last night as the sun set over the beach. Today we went to the Dole Pineapple Plantation..tell Briggy the pineapples are on the way! We went to Waiamea Bay and there were some mighty big waves rolling in?! We sure wished Dannon and the BIL (brothers in law) were here to smash a few! We have not had a pina colada yet...but when we do it will be in honor of Matt! The sunset was beautiful again tonight...and then as soon as the sun goes down the big, almost full, moon appears. You just couldn't ask for anything more wonderful.

Good-bye!

2008-03-18T08:59:00.000-07:00

I am on my way to Hawaii today...so I might not be posting for a feqw days...but I just might post some pictures of me and BD in our swimming suits on a beach just like this one!!! Stay tuned!

Leprechans

2008-03-17T22:05:00.001-07:00

Look at the two dang cutest little "Leprechans" that came to visit me on St. Patricks Day! BD and I think that grandkids are the pot of gold at the end of our rainbow!!! Gotta love 'em!

Fun Quiz

2008-03-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

Here is a really fun thing to do with you and your family. The neat thing about it is that it is all very mathematic...and this year ...2008...is the ONLY year it will ever work!! Try it out.

1. Choose the number of times that you would like to out to eat in a week.
(more than once but less than ten times)
2. Multiply this number by 2
3. Add 5
4. Multiply it by 50
5. If you have already had your birthday this year Add 1758
If you haven't Add 1757.
6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born.

You should have a three digit number.

The first digit of this was your original number (the number of time you want to eat out)

The next two numbers are YOUR AGE!!!

It works every time! AMAZING!!!

Business Matters

2008-03-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

I have two matters of business to conduct at this time.
First of all I know I should change my template to reflect a more appropriate image of what my current posts discuss...but I think these little piggys are so dang cute I can't quite give them up yet. Sorry.
Secondly, If you read my blog...please comment! I feel like I am talking and nobody is listening! You know the feeling...like when you are trying to teach the children...and duhhhhh. If you do not have a blog account you CAN email me at alderfam@msn.com Even if you are a STALKER...identify yourself! Maybe we could be friends!
That's all!

BD is back!

2008-03-16T21:23:00.000-07:00

Aint he a fine looking man?! Big Daddy is back! He has been gone to Las Vegas for the big basketball tournament. Naturally he was cheering for BYU. They won one and lost one! He was gone for three days and three nights...just long enough for me to miss him. I used to get really scared at night when he was gone, but over the years I have gotten quite brave! Now, however when he is gone...everybody is gone...and I am ALONE. I have learned the tricks so I don't freak myself out...like get home before dark, and don't watch any scary movies etc. I did fine...but I am sure glad that I have him home tonight! Enough is enough if you know what I mean.
I like it when BD is gone because he always brings me home a 'treat'. This trip he brought home a camera. If you have noticed my blogs have not had any real life photos lately and that is because our camera is on the fritz. Well, now we have a new camera that is supposed to be very easy to use. I took the above photo and so far so good. We are going to Hawaii on Tuesday so I will read the manual for the 5 hour plane ride and maybe I'll know how to use it by then. If so, I will send you beautiful pictures of us frolicking in the warm Hawaiian sunshine!

hummmmm

2008-03-14T20:43:00.001-07:00

Ho hum, I am at all sure what I want to write about today. I have been reading lots of blogs and am so amazed at the things people write about. Mostly they write about what has happened, for good or for bad, in their day.

Well, I shall tell you about my day. Today I went visiting teaching! I have a wonderful partner named Angela. She set up the appointments today, which means she also gives the lesson, and I give the prayer! I also took a little Easter treat for each one. We have three ladies to visit and so it seems to take a really long time to complete the duty. I always feel it is a duty...until it is done and then I feel it is a pleasure. I really love Mayra, LouAnn, and Camille. They seem to be as concerned about us as we are them. I do consider each one a friend and certainly a sister. Several months ago I decided to quit complaining about visiting teaching or VT as I like to call it. I would gripe to anyone I talked to about having to do this job...then after it was done I felt guilty about my evil speaking and I never called anybody back to tell them what a nice experience it had been. So I quit the murmuring. However,I am so glad it is done this month and I don't have to worry about it one more day. Because I do...I never quit thinking about it until it is done.

Now, my next goal is to look forward, and not complain, about my visiting teachers coming to me...but that is a story for another day!

Oh, the things we EAT!

2008-03-12T21:07:00.000-07:00

I love to eat! One of my favorite things to eat is chips and salsa! Now I know that chips and salsa are not the most healthy food to be eating, but I don't care, I love them! I can honestly say I have not met a salsa I did not like. Or a chip either. Oh, I have my favorites. You just can't beat a good ol' corn Dorito. I really like the thick greasy chips that they make in Mexico! I really like my salsas with some spice! BD likes his mild...really mild...which is kind of odd because he is a pretty spicey kind of guy...(we can talk about this later!) Anyway, don't you think the best part of going out to eat is when you are so hungry and the waiter brings out a pile of chips and salsa before you even order!!! You can just sit there and eat and eat. BD always tries to pace himself so he doesn't get too full before his meal comes. I never worry about that because, to me, if I am too full of chips and salsa, who cares, the best part of the meal is usually the chips and salsa anyway! Yummy yum yum!!!
P.S. the above photo is me...after a good batch of...you got it...chips and salsa!

Help!!!

2008-03-10T12:59:00.001-07:00

This is edamame

The last 6 months I have been having a REAL BIG problem. I have been having GIGANTIC hot flashes. I mean they come on fast and furious and rage on for several minutes and then go away as quickly as they came. I get really hot, then water just starts pouring down my face and neck. I feel rivers running down my back. My underwear is stuck to my body most of the time. I usually allow myself three times that I will blow dry my hair and then I give up and just pull it back. This goes on all through the night too! I have been patiently enduring this, thinking that it was all part of the 'game'. But I am so tired of it all. I thought maybe this distress was due to medication...or the illness...I never dreamed that maybe it was MENOPAUSE! My mom told me that some of her friends...(mind you they are over 70 years old!) have these hot flashes and have been able to control them with EDAMAME. That is the fancy name for soy beans. After I asked every Dr. that I go to about these annoying and uncontrolable heat waves...and...they said they had no idea what would cause this...of coarse when was the last time they DID have an idea? Anyway, I decided to try the edamame. After about five days I noticed a big difference. It has been ten days now, and I have had only a few hot attacks and only one that was really bad! I think edamame works! I am saved! I can go on! I HOPE that I can be hot flash free. I am passing this news along so that maybe someone else can have their life saved or that of a loved one.

Friends?

2008-03-06T21:15:00.000-08:00

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you will remember last month I wrote about something that I loved every day. On one of those days I wrote about my really wonderful friends who did not say anything about how bad...well...huge I looked. I loved my friends that day.
Well, I went to lunch with those very same friends this week and I am thinking I don't love them as much.
Let me tell you why.
Again I was very self conscious about the way that I looked for the lunch date. I was totally stressed out about it. So, I finally found a shirt that fit and did lunch and had a great time. Then...I came home and as I was putting down my purse...I saw it...a great big blob in the front of my shirt. Yes, I had dripped 'lunch' right in the middle of my front! Not one of my so-called friends said anything! Some friends!
Well I had more things to do that day and so I got out my "Tide to Go" instant stain remover. My sister-in-law, Cathy, swears by this stuff. I bought some last summer and I have used it, maybe 4 times...and it has never worked very well. I thought I'd give it another try. I actually tried it 3 or 4 times on that one stain and I still could not get it out. I ended up changing my shirt before I ran my other errands. That really bugged me.
If I were writing about the things that really bug me...I would have TWO things today.
1-Friends that are not really friends because they let you embarrass yourself and not say anything!
2-The Tide to Go instant stain remover that doesn't remove stains instantly or even slowly!
So. how aws your day?

Daily Gem

2008-03-05T20:51:00.000-08:00

Today I received a "Daily Gem " that seemed very pertinent to me and I would like to share it with you.
"Elder Neal A. Maxwell linked patience and faith together when he taught: 'Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what is best--better than does God. Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than His.'
Oh boy, do I ever have this problem. I try to wait patiently upon the Lord...but it seems the Lord always holds out longer than my patience does and then I start to....well, should I say...murmur. I know without a doubt that I do not know better than the Lord and so I must work even harder to wait...and wait...and wait patiently upon the Lord.
Robert C. Oaks said, "We can grow in faith only if we are willing to wait patiently for God's purposes and pattern to unfold in our lives, on His timetable."
So, I am back to square one again. I will begin again to have increased faith and increased patience and then I will be able to see and know and understand....because I ceratinly do not know now. But I will wait.

Pantyhose..Again!

2008-03-03T21:01:00.000-08:00

While I have been sick I have learned a lot about kindness. I have been the recipient of so much kindness...but there definitely are levels of kindness. I have had a ton of kind acts done to be of 'service'...and it is so amazing that there is such a difference in those that do it from love and those that do it out of obligation...and it is noticeable and obvious. I appreciate so very much ALL kinds of kindness. But, I have learned a good lesson and will try to do better myself. You know sometime when you are asked to do something and you really don't want to...well, I have thought a lot about this and think that from now on if I am supposed to 'be kind' and serve...I will get down on my knees and pray until I want to do it and until I do it with love. I can't imagine that I will ever have a hard time doing anything I am asked to do after receiving so much from others. But I am realistic and know that as time goes on I will forget and slip back into my old ways. I am making a promise to myself that I will do better and I will not forget this and other lessons I have learned.

So, you ask yourself...why is this blog labeled PANTYHOSE? Well, one of the truest and most honest acts of kindness came this weekend from BD. Now BD has been the kindest and most caring person I can imagine since I have been sick. He was always nice...but he has really stepped up to the plate and has had to do things and see things and handle things that are unbelievable and he, honestly, is the kindest most thoughtful person I know.
Now, let me tell you about the PANTYHOSE.
On Saturday I was going to go to the grocery store. Well, by the end of the day I was pooped and so BD said he would do the shopping. He is getting good at it because he has done it more than I have, by far, lately. Anyway on the list I had written 'black, knee high, PANTYHOSE' He asked what size to get. I told him that they came in only one size. I told him not to worry if he couldn't find them because I had some old control top PANTYHOSE I could wear to church if I had to.
So, BD did the shopping and got everything on the list and did such a good job...
When I unloaded the bags I came to two packages of PANTYHOSE. BD had found the 'one size fits all' and then he also found a Queensize pair! Knowing how much I have grown, and always trying to make me comfortable, he bought the Queensize just for me! Surprisingly, I was not offended, but I was touched that he had been so thoughtful.
So, that is what I have learned about kindness. There is such a difference in kindness levels. As I have been given much...I too will give...and will try and do it with the kind of kindness that is pure. May be this is the definition of charity. I have always wondered what that really meant. I think I know now.

Pantyhose

2008-03-02T14:03:00.000-08:00

Oh, don't you think the best part of Sunday is coming home from church and taking off your panyhose?! Now, you young ones probably don't wear them...but oh, believe me when I say it is so good...in fact it might be worth wearing them a couple of weeks just to see how good it feels when you take them off. Now, just to get a little more personal...the best time of the day is when the bra comes off!!! Don't you just love that free and easy feeling? I wish I knew why we had to wear bras, because I am so much happier without them. True, for looks and maybe modesty...but I would much rather go for comfort. My mother always used to say "Suffer for beauty." I guess that is what we, as women, must accept as truth.

2008-03-01T21:07:00.000-08:00

February was a great month and it was fun to think of the things I LOVE every day. I think I will write about the things that BUG me in March...just kidding!
I have been doing a lot of thinking lately. It has been 6 months...yes SIX months that I have been sick. I have had lots of time to think and do some soul searching and try to put life into perspective. You know it is so easy to get distracted by the things that the 'world' says is important. But, what REALLY is important?
I think I have finally figured things out...and then I just get another opportunity to learn. I think over the next few days I will try and share just a bit of insight gained over the last six months.
I will try not to ramble or be too sappy...so stay tuned and we'll see how it comes out.

Sunrise

2008-02-29T21:36:00.000-08:00

I LOVE the sunrise! This has not always been the case however. I remember when I was young my Grandma (Dede) would call my Dad and tell him to look out at the beautiful sunrise. This drove me crazy. In Idaho there were not mountains close by so the sun came up around 5:30 am! I remember thinking that it was stupid to wake up that early just to see the sunrise.
As I have matured I realize that truly there is nothing more beautiful than the rising of the sun. Even this morning as the sun came up...there were no spectacular colors as there is sometimes. But, the simple beauty of the light chasing away the darkness and the understanding that it is a new beginning to a day that is waiting for me to make an imprint for good or for...something. I always feel 'fresh' when I watch the sun come up...I can't really describe the feeling better than simply 'fresh'. Maybe it is the clean, and usually cool air that comes along early as the sun rises.
The sun doesn't come over the mountain until 8:00am, so really there is no excuse why I don't see it every morning...but I do forget to look...what a missed blessing it is to get so busy...or so lazy...that I let an opportunity go by to not recognize the beauty and reflect on it's significance. Oh, how I wish I had Dede to give me call, so very early, to wake up to see the sunrise.
The sun comes up super early at the Ranch. Our bedroom window faces East and many times I roll over at 5:00 and see the sunrise and then roll back over and sleep for hours longer. That is really great! BD is always up early and has probably seen more sunrises than I will ever see in my whole life. So, today I have a greater love and appreciation for the beauty of a sunrise.

My Orchid

2008-02-28T20:42:00.000-08:00

Today I LOVE my new orchid. I have never had an orchid before. I have always thought they were beautiful and fragile and exotic and very hard to grow. Tonight I talked BD into a trip to Costco to buy me some edamame. My mom told me they are good for 'hot flashes' and man am I having hot flashes...but that is another story. So, we went to Costco and found the desired edamame and as usual we always find more to buy than what is on our list. (This is a real problem at Costco. Does anyone else have that problem?) There was a whole cart full of these beautiful orchids. Purple is my favorite color and there were the most delicate purple ones. I wanted to just look at them...and BD said "Find one you like and let's get it!" I could not decide. I didn't really know what to look for in a good orchid. So, I found a purple one with lots of buds hoping I could get a few blooms before I killed it. (acidentally, of coarse) Anyway, I am a proud new owner of the most gorgeous orchid. Tomorrow I will try and find out how to take care of it. I figured if Costco could do it, it couldn't be that hard. Wish me luck!

Blogging

2008-02-27T21:01:00.000-08:00

I LOVE blogging. This month I have been blogging about one thing I LOVE each day. It has really kept me on my toes to write something every day, but I have found that I look forward to it each day. I really love your comments and I really wish that I had more readers that would make a comment. I wonder what I will do in March that will keep me interested in blogging. Ummm, I'll be thinking about that. I am up for any suggestions. Until tommorow...keep on blogging.

Bubble Bath

2008-02-26T21:26:00.000-08:00

Maybe I still have water on my mind...and maybe because I had to rack my brain to think of something that I love today...but...today I LOVE bubble baths. Not just a bath, but one with bubbles. I am fussy about my bubbles too. I used to use a squirt of 'Joy". You know the dishwashing liquid?! But in my advanced years I have come to require a bit more from my bubbles. I like Avon's bubbles. They are foamy and smell good. I also like Bath and Body Works bubbles. BD gave me some Bath and Body for Valentines Day. The fragrance is Tuberose. Now, I have no idea what a Tuberose is, but I really LOVE the smell. I love a bath in the morning or night, but night is my favorite. I love to read a good book while tubbing or flip through a magazine. I feel a little weird reading the scriptures in my bare nakeds...but I enjoy reading anything else. My friend Shawna drinks diet coke and eats M&M's while tubbing which sounds really fun to me...I just have never tried it. Maybe tonight! One of my DREAMS would be to have a big enough bathroom that I could soak in the tub while watching TV. Oh, that might be bad for me because I may never get out of the tub. BD often offers to 'draw me a bath'...and he is getting pretty good at getting the right temperature and just the right amount of bubbles. Now there's a man! A weird thing I do is...I like a really hot bath, but then I leave the bathroom door open so I don't get all hot and steamy. Also, It makes me crazy if I close the door while bathing and come out after a long relaxing bath and the steam escapes and the smoke detecter goes off! That takes all the relaxing part out of the whole experience. One thing for sure about my baths...is I bath alone! No exceptions! Yes, it is because my tub is real small!

Rain

2008-02-25T20:31:00.001-08:00

I LOVE it when it rains...USUALLY. Today was an exception. Usually I love to drive in the rain. I love to be at home when it rains. When the kids were little I used to make cookies on rainy days and I think they like rainy days now! Last night as I lay in bed I could hear the rain and it sounded so good. It felt great to be all warm and tucked in as I listened. I had the thought that I would make BD his favorite pumpkin chocolate chip cookies with NO nuts and take him some to work. However I woke up to a big suprise. I could hear BD vacuuming. Weird?! I found him trying to vacuum up water as fast as he could as it came pouring in to the house!
This picture is what used to be a bedroom! We had water everywhere and it was coming in faster than we could sweep, vacuum or soak it up. Bd worked at it all day. Dannon came and gave Bd a hand which helped so much. I tried to to the best I could as I hobbled around.
I used every towel in the house. I had a huge load of towels in the washer and another in the dryer and the tub was full of soaking wet ones waiting for their turn. I am still doing load after load and it is late!
BD rigged up a pump and some fans to help dry things out. The city came and found that the main storm drain, in the road, was backed up and plugged with tree roots. Once they got the drain unplugged the water stopped coming in the house. Then 'disaster clean up' came. They pulled out the carpet and pad and got a de-humidifier going and some BIG fans. They say three days...these fans are LOUD. BD and I wanted to watch a video tonight for FHE but we had to turn it off because we could not hear it even with the TV volume up all the way! Three days! OOOOOOOOOhh. I never did make cookies. I actually had a miserable day feeling pretty sorry for myself. Again, I guess I will shake it off...hold my head up... and carry on...whether I want to or not. I am determined not to let this very bad day ruin my LOVE of the rain.
This evening we were blessed with this beautiful sunset! Just a message from heaven that all is not lost and tomorrow is another day. Gee, can't wait to see what we get tomorrow!

Dessert

2008-02-24T20:24:00.000-08:00

Here is Poots eating his birthday cake...and loving it. I wish I could get away with eating like this!

I LOVE dessert. Usually when one thinks of dessert they think of a delicious sweet something after dinner. Well, I am typically very full...or should I say...satisfied after dinner and do not want dessert right then. But, I love dessert a bit later on. Or, I love dessert for breakfast! I really like dessert for lunch! I love dessert any time of the day for a snack. I guess the only I time I actually don't eat dessert is at dessert time. I love all desserts. In fact I've never met one I didn't like. I love cake, pie, ice cream, pudding, cookies, brownies (actually anything chocolate is yummy)..cinnamon rolls, caramel popcorn, you name it and I think I love it. You know, I have been eating dessert with others and I hear someone say, "Oh, this is so rich I cannot eat any more of it". I have never really had a dessert I could not finish off...and lick the plate! This is not something I should be proud of is it? Well, maybe I will try and love desserts in moderation from now on. By the way, have you ever tried a custard filled bismark from Dick's market? Oh, they are to die for! Most of my favorite desserts, however, are homemade. I make a bread pudding that is divine. I don't make it very much, because not many people like bread pudding and then I usually eat way too much of it over the next few days. I would love to hear what your favorite dessert is.

Indoor Plumbing

2008-02-23T19:43:00.000-08:00

Today I LOVE my toilet! OK, I love my shower and sink, too. I am kind of old fashioned, and think that it would have been fun to live long ago when the west was young. This last week BD and I have been watching a DVD called "Into the West". We have enjoyed it a lot. I found myself yearning for that lifestyle....except for one thing. The bathroom. I think it would be awful hard to go outside in the dark and cold and rain with wild animals lurking just to go potty. I have been getting up several times each night lately. How I love to sit on a seat without slivers with a rug under my feet and nothing breathing down my back. (BD is usually still asleep) It is also nice to flush and not have to bury anything, or just leave it alone to...how should I say it...attract flies. I love the shower too. I have 'showered' in the high Uintas and have gotten myself clean and smelling better...but there's nothing like a long, warm, steamy shower. BD even got me a hand held shower head when we remodeled our bathroom and it is divine! And then there is privacy. Oh how nice it is so close the door! Kinda hard to do that out on the prairie. Well, I've got to run...all this talk has made me need to...go...bye.

KRIS

2008-02-22T07:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Kris! We want to honor you today and we will begin with the most "famous"photo ever taken of you!!!

K is for KINDNESS. Kris is the most kind and thoughtful person we know. She never misses a phone call on your birthday. She is famous for her cookies and brownies that are so delicious and she will drop them by for a 'thank you' and really we need to be thanking her! She is so kind and accepting of everyone and is so careful not to offend. Kris is without a doubt the kindest person we know.
R is for RELIGIOUS. Kris loves and lives her religion. She does everything that is asked in all her callings and then some. She is an AMAZING visiting teacher! She talks all the time about being together forever with all of her family and how important this is to her. If we make it to 'heaven' in the next life...we know we will find Kris there!
I is for INVESTED. Whatever Kris is involved in she is totally invested in it. Whether it is family, or her job, or U of U sports...she gives it her all. You can count on Kris to be there and doing her best no matter what.
S is for STYLIN'. For someone who does not like to shop...she always looks great. She has such cute clothes. At work and at church...wow she looks so darling. She even looks good in her workout clothes. She has great shoes too and the best jewelry to go with every outfit. Yes, Kris is certainly 'stylin'.
We love you Kris and hope you have a really wonderful birthday.
Love;
Mark & Beki
aka Big Daddy & BekBek

Trivia

2008-02-21T20:55:00.001-08:00

No, the thing I LOVE today is not George Washington....keep reading!

OK, don,t laugh, but today one of the things I LOVE is trivia. Yesterday there was a section of trivia about the Presidents of the United States in the the paper. I was totally enthralled. I shared many of these fun facts with BD and he would raise his eyes from the sports section and mumble uh, oh, umm. I could tell he was totally bored with it all. I could not quit reading. I read a bit of trivia about each one of our 43 presidents. I realized that it was not just this bit of trivia, but, I really enjoy all kinds of useless information. I can't ever remember it later when maybe I could show my intelligence, or even be of help to anyone. But, for the moment that I am hearing it, I get a great deal of pleasure. Did you know that George Washington was the only president to be unanimously elected and the only one who did not represent a political party? Did you know that Martin Van Buren, who was the 8th president, was the first president to be born in the U.S.? Or, did you know that our 31st president, Herbert Hoover, was the first one to be born west of the Mississippi River? Now this is fascinating stuff!!! So, if you know anything that is totally useless just let me hear it. I would love it, and then forget it just like I always do.

Nighty Night

2008-02-20T20:58:00.000-08:00

The LOVE for the 20th is...MY BED. This morning when I woke up I thought, "Oh how I love that bed!" I sleep so good every night. Each night when I crawl into the covers and snuggle up to BD I think that there couldn't be anything better than this! I am not fussy whether the sheets are cotton or flannel or BD's favorite...t-shirt sheets. I just love that bed. I rarely take a nap on it because I am afraid I would not wake up till the next day. Right now it is time for bed..and I am ready. In fact...Good-Night!

Happy Birthday Jesica

2008-02-19T20:14:00.000-08:00

This is our oldest daughter holding her oldest daughter!

Well today is the 19th and no doubt my LOVE of the day is Jesica! It is her 27th (man, are we old!) birthday. BD and I have never been the same since the day she was born. She has brought more happiness and love to our lives than we could have ever imagined! We have a tradition in our family on birthdays...and that is we go around the room and everyone tells why they love the birthday person...so, here is our tribute to Jes. Wish you were here.

J is for JOY. I always tease Jesica that her middle name is Joy and I wish it was! She has been a joy to us for 27 years. She makes me feel joy when she is around and can bring joy to me with her phone calls and really great notes!
E is for EVENTS. Jesica loves events! (ie. parties, holidays, vacations or just lunch) She is usually the life of the 'events'. It is always more fun when Jesica comes and we miss her so much when she is gone.

S is for SHOPPING. There is no other 'S' word to describe Jesica. She loves to shop and is dang good at it.

I is for INCREDIBLE. Jesica makes incredible banana bread and incredible cinnamon rolls! She has been incredibly thoughtful and understanding of me while I have been sick.

C is for CREATIVE. Jesica has a knack when it comes to decorating her home, her wardrobe and in her hairstying. She has great ideas and can turn them into reality. She does some really cute and creative scrapbook pages too.

A is for AWESOME. We think Jesica is awesome. She is an awesome wife...a great lover (check out her blog!)...a good homemaker...a cute mom to Savoy...and a wonderful daughter.

Jesica is all these things and so much more and these are a few of the reasons we love her today and every day. Happy Birthday Jesica.

POOTS

2008-02-19T15:53:00.000-08:00

Well, It's time to say the Love of February 18th is, without question, my little Poots! For 1 year he has blessed our lives with his cutest little face. Right now he has the greatest 'smile' that he will flash at you over and over..and each time it gets funnier! We love you Porter. Happy Birthday!

Snow?

2008-02-19T15:37:00.000-08:00

Ok, as I promised a bit of catch up. The snowfall has been incredible this year at the Ranch.

BD is thrilled beyond words...because we should have good water this summer! Yea, one less headache! For those of you familiar with the Ranch you should appreciate these photos! It was beautiful there so I guess the thing I love for February 15, 16, & 17th is snow, snow, snow! I know we are all ready for spring...but this was without question so pretty! Spring will always come...later!

Catch up

2008-02-19T07:13:00.000-08:00

I am so far behind in my blogging I don't know where to start...After my chemo last week I got SLAMMED. I had a couple really bad days...and I am really glad that is over! Then I went to the ranch until last night. One of the things I like about the ranch is that it is far away from the normal things of the world...(ie. computers), but that ,makes blogging hard. So, I will catch up today...but first I need to change the Valentine template. When I figure that out I will be back!

My Valentine

2008-02-14T21:02:00.000-08:00

p.s. BD gave me roses & chocolate covered strawberries today!

Happy Valentines Day! What a wonderful day of love this has been. Yet, my best love of the month and the best love of all time...and throughout all eternity... is still and

always will be my BD. He fills my

every need. He is the best husband, and these last 6 months has been a wonderful nurse, cook, cleaner, laundryman, errand doer, and comforter. He has gone shopping, gone to church, and even gone to weddings and receptions alone! He is my best friend and I am in constant amazement that he has held up so well. It seems like I cry on his shoulder all the time and he can put things into perspective for me and keeps me going. I love Big Daddy with all my heart and I am so glad that today he is the man I LOVE!

DONE!

2008-02-14T07:07:00.000-08:00

I am posting a day late...because yesterday I spent ALL morning visiting teaching and then ALL the reat of the day at the hospital getting my last chemo treatment. Yes, my last one! It isn't so bad...I just spend hours laying in a bed having poison dumped into me. It doesn't really hurt. The worst part is that I have to DRINK and DRINK so that I can go potty A LOT. Even during the night I am supposed to go potty every two hours. I guess these chemicals can settle in the bladder and do some good damage. So the theory is to keep things moving and the risk is less. I keep this up for about three days. Not at night though. Anyway, I am DONE. Now we'll see what happens! I hope that this next month will see me out of the bandages and walking with ease. I am walking great...I can go really fast...I just have a gimpy gate. So, today thing I love is being DONE!

The Biggest Looser

2008-02-12T21:16:00.001-08:00

I just love the TV show 'Biggest Looser". I am FAT but all the 'stars' are fatter...at least until they loose all their weight...maybe that is why I like it. I like to watch it because it is one that BD watches too. We often do NOT have the same TV taste...but on this we agree. Tonight we DVR'd it and watched it commercial free and that was really great! I have to admit that I do get a little more motivated to lose weight and even get a pointer or two. One really weird thing, though, is I usually like to eat a really fattening treat during the show! Oh well, I could never win on that show..but it sure is fun to watch!

The Ranch

2008-02-11T20:27:00.000-08:00

I love the ranch! Today I love it for different reasons than you might think. It is the dead of winter up there right now. Big Daddy and I went up there today because "BD" needed to feed the horses and plow out the drifts up the lane so the gas man can come. We took Dannon with us to help with the digging. It was a lucky thing

he came because it took the two of them 5 hours!

This photo doesn't do justice to the huge

drifts of snow. But, isn't Dannon a hand-

some son!

Yes, the drifts were huge. I stayed in the cabin all day and did my own thing! It was so quiet and peaceful there. I love the ranch, even for a day. I get a whole new lease on life up there. The beauties of nature are there in every season of the year...today the sun and shadows and snow were incredible. I tried to take some pictures that would tell the story of the beauty, but none of them can truly show what we saw. So , trust me, it was really great. Well, it is nearly the middle of February and I have not run out of things that I love yet!

Our little Tarisa Belle

2008-02-10T21:07:00.000-08:00

Today Big Daddy and I want to express how much we love our darling daughter Tarisa! She turns 21 today. One memory that stands our in my mind is shortly after Tarisa was born our family went to Idaho to visit my parents. While there I became quite sick. We decided it might be best for me to stay in Idaho a few extra days and try to get well. Mark and my Dad gave me a priesthood blessing. In that blessing Mark told me that the children would be able to bless and comfort me. I remember thinking, ya right! I was always blessing and comforting them and how could I do that when I was so sick...and certainly did not think that they could do that for me. Well, that night as I lay in bed I was so weak and sick and started to chill. No matter what I did I could not get warm. I remember praying and having the thought come to me to put Tarisa in bed with me. She was only a few months old and so tiny I did not understand why this would be good...but I obeyed. The minute I put her in bed with me I felt her warmth...I would move her over and lay in her warm spot and cuddle up and move her again. I did this for a long time until I was able to get warm enough to fall asleep. I realized that Tarisa had blessed and comforted me just like the Lord had promised through Mark. It has been 21 years since that time and Tarisa is still blessing and comforting me every day. I love her more than mere words can exlplain. My hope is that she knows how special she is to me and her Big Daddy. Happy Birthday Tarisa!!!!

Aimee

2008-02-09T19:55:00.000-08:00

Today, I love Aimee. Aimee is my niece. I have a lot of nieces and each holds a special place in my heart. But, today Aimee brought me a gift. It is not the gift that makes me love her...it is her kindness and thoughtfulness that really touched me. I know I am a cry baby...but Aimee made me cry today when she brought me a jar of her homemade apple butter. This is a gift of pure gold because she made it and it was not easy and there was no reason to be giving...it isn't my birthday or anything! I will forever think of her when I eat apple butter and this fall when I am going to make some using her recipe and experience. I love you Aimee...I think we are 'soul sisters'.

Words of Wisdom

2008-02-08T21:18:00.000-08:00

I LOVE a good thought or quote that uplifts or inspires, or just gives me something to think about. I have a few sciptures, too, that I can reflect on...especially when I cannot sleep. Today I read this thought that was on my calendar and loved it.

"Peace and contentment dwell,

In those who live life well."

Now there is some food for thought. Aren't we all looking for peace and contentment? I guess that means to live our life well. How do you do that you might ask...for me it is living the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in its entirety...and then some! It sounds hard, but really isn't when the rewards are so great. Peace and contentment...ahhhhhhh.

Sky Watcher

2008-02-07T20:41:00.000-08:00

Today the thing I love is the beautiful sky above us! I know that really sounds cheesy, but I waited all day for the snowstorm that was predicted. It never came, but I loved watching the sky change throughout the day. The clouds were remarkable as they billowed up against the mountains this morning. It wasn't long until the sky darkened and I knew snow was soon to come. We got a flurry but that's all. In the afternoon I was warmed by the sunshine as it tried to peek through white fluffy clouds that did not look wintery at all. This evening I caught this photo as the sun was going down and shining through my glass snowflake in my kitchen window. It was beautiful. The sunset was soft and yellow against the white sky and clouds. It was short and sweet because of so many clouds. Today I loved watching the sky!

A Good Read

2008-02-07T06:57:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I did not blog about what I love because my computer was typing backwards! Weird Huh? So today I will tell you what I loved yesterday. Then later on I will post today's love.

I love to read. I love magazines and the newspaper, of coarse the scriptures, but mostly I love a good book. Right now I am reading a true story about a man in a prison camp in World War 2. It is called The Long Walk. It is interesting. I am also in charge of choosing my Book Club's book this month and I am not having any luck. If there are any readers ou there who know of a real good book...LET ME HEAR IT.

Tag...you're it!

2008-02-06T08:15:00.001-08:00

I've been TAGGED. So, I guess since I am a blogger now, I have to play...so here it goes!

Ten years ago what was I doing?
I had 3 teeneagers that were giving me a run for my life. The girls were driving and dating and I spent many nights looking out the window waiting for them to come home safely. Little did I know then that it would all be worth it ten years later!

5 things on my to do list today:
1-do my hair (dreaded job of any day)
2-go to the dentist
3-fix lima bean soup for dinner
4-do some paper work to get insurance refund
5-take a nap

What would I do if I suddenly got a billion dollars?
I would go buy stuff!! I think I would try to find a medical research place that was really trying to figure out auto-immune things and donate to them. I would buy all the kids houses so they would not have those large payments. I would go on a vacation to Australia, New Zeland, Tonga, Samoa, and Tahiti...It might take a month, but if I had a billion dollars...who cares. It would be fun to have all the kids meet up with us at some point during the trip for a week or so.

5 places I have lived:
1-San Antonio Texas
2-Denver
3- Salt Lake City
4-Ogden
5-Rexburg
6-Laie Hawaii
7-West Yellowstone
8-Bountiful,
9-Farmington
10-Centerville

That is more than 5...but...that's the way it is.

3 bad habits:

I could double this list too, but I will stick with 3.
1-I don't wash my hair every day
2-I watch too much TV
3-I spend too much time on the computer

Jobs I have had:
1-maid for 3 Bear Lodge
2-waitress
3-greenhouse girl
4-Dicks Market snack bar
5-substitute teacher
6-wife
7-mother
8-BokBok

5 things people don't know about me:
I am pretty much an open book...but ..um..
1-my laundry room is always a disaster area
2-I am scared to death to scuba dive again
3-I eat beef jerky
4-I am really stubborn/hard-headed
5-I have NEVER been bored!

My 5 favorite snacks:
1-peppermint ice cream
2- brownie batter blizzards
3-double decker ice cream cone from Baskin Robbins
4-chocolate covered anything..carmel, cherries, mint truffle etc....
5-hot chocolate with cookies to dip

5 TV shows I watch:
1-Everybody Loves Raymond
2-Biggest Looser
3-American Idol
4-Real life detective or crime stories like America's Most Wanted or Skeletons etc. (only when Mark is not home. He doesn't get into that stuff)
5-Ellen

5 Favorite vacation spots:
1-Cabo San Lucas
2-Hawaii
3-Ranch
4-St. George
5-I want to go to Australia and New Zeland

5 Places I'd rather be:
1-Ranch
2-Yellowstone
3-Ranch
4-Somewhere in Hawaii
5-Ranch

5 things I'd like to do:
1-play the piano
2- learn how to play the harp
3-sew...and like it
4-go on a vacation
5-lose lots of weight

Now I am supposed to tag 3 more people...but I don't know anyone who has a blog who has not been tagged...help!

Friends

2008-02-05T21:06:00.000-08:00

My grandkids call me "Bok Bok". You know, that is the sound a chicken makes! They have their own reason for the name and I will explain on another day. Today this loveley bird is how I feel and what I look like!

Well, today was a really hard day. I tried to think of what I love, but, believe me it was a chore. It all started this morning as I was getting ready for the day. I had a lunch date with friends that I have been looking forward to for a month! But, as I showered and started getting ready I knew I had a BIG problem. ME! I was BIG.

Most of you who are reading this know that I have been sick...and on some serious medication...and I am fat. Fatter than I have ever been. Oh, I can blame this situation on a million things and I am not an innocent party...but, nevertheless I am in the predicament of having nothing to wear. I am not joking.

I bought a lovely pair of 'fat man' pants to get me through the recent holiday season. Well, they don't fit any more! So, I sat down and bawled.

After a good cry I thought there surely must be something I could wear. NOPE.

Plus, after a good cry, I looked at my extremely puffed up face and thought how can I hide THAT?! I don't even look like myself anymore. I look like my brother! I cried again.

I decided I would not, could not, should not go to lunch today with my friends.

I put my jammie pants back on and was satisfied with the decision.

Then, I got thinking. I thought, who did I think I was before I got looking like the plump chicken in the photo above? I have NEVER been the pretty one, or the stylish one or the skinny one before now. Why was it any different today? I don't know! I cried again.

I was a wreck.

I don't know what came over me then, because nothing miraculous really happened, I just put on those 'fat man' pants and rigged up an elastic in the button hole...you know the old 4 month along pregnancy trick...and went to lunch.

I don't know if my friends noticed that I had fat rolling over the top of my pants when I sat. Or, that my pants fell down when I stood. I don't know if they had to look twice just to see both sides of my face at the same time. I don't know if they could tell I had spent the morning in tears. Or if they could tell my self-esteem was at rock bottom and that I looked like my brother. All I know is that they did not say a thing about it. Nobody said a thing about anything unusually large, or different than normal, or even about my medications. No one asked about my brother. They asked how I was feeling. I said fine. I am thankful for their concern. But, I am even more thankful they are my friends.

So, today I must say, the thing I love are FRIENDS. True friends who love you for WHO you are and not what you look like. The world today is all about looking good and having fun. Well, when you're not looking good it is hard to have fun..or so they say. I had fun at lunch today. Thanks Terry, Ruth, Rochelle and Janey. I love you. I bawled when I got home and I and doing it again now. But now, the tears are for a different reason.

February Fourth is For Flowers

2008-02-04T18:41:00.000-08:00

February Fourth is For Flowers. I love flowers. I love wild flowers and flowers that I plant and watch grow in the summer. I love wedding flowers and funeral flowers. I love the smell of flowers. I love flowers that Big Daddy sends me. He often sends me flowers 'just because'. No, it is not because I am wonderful. It is because he is wonderful. The flowers on my table today are beautiful coral colored roses that even have a soft sweet smell. BD sent me these roses so I would not forget him while he was away on a guys trip to Yellowstone.

2008-02-03T20:10:00.000-08:00

Today the thing I love is "Aunt Kathy's Potato Salad". I made potato salad for our Super Bowl party and it was OK....but Aunt Kathy's is to die for! Oh, she has given me her recipe and even hepled me make it once, but it never turns out the same. It seems everything tastes better when someone else does the making...maybe that's it...but maybe I just can't do it like she does. Anyway...my 'love' of the day is Aunt Kathy's famous potato salad!

February!

2008-02-02T17:36:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are in February...one of my favorite months for several reasons.
First of all February is fun to spell.
Second, February usually marks the end of Winter. Now, I love Winter a lot, but by this time of year I am ready to see the end of it. In February there are always some signs that Spring is coming.
Next, I had two babies in this month, and think it is the perfect time. I don't think I will have any more in this month but, it was good while it lasted!
Finally, February is the 'Love Month'. Now, of coarse, that means Valentines Day, but even better I think it is a time to think about what I love.
So, since I am a blogger now I decided I would write each day about what I love. This will not be mushy, I promise, but it will be a good exercise for me to think about the good things in life.
Today is February 1st and I want to say that I love President Gordon B. Hinckley.
Today was his funeral and I watched it on TV for about 5 hours! Too much? No! I learned to love and appreciate him even more. Can you imagine being in the total dedication of church service for over 60 years? I think it is so cute how he loved his wife and spoke about her being the girl of his dreams. He was a dear man. I am also excited for our new Prophet. It is always interesting to me how I receive a witness of the calling each time we get a new prophet. I can't wait.
That's all for today...

Welcome to BD & BB's Blog

2008-01-22T17:06:00.000-08:00

Hi, I am Beki...my friends don't call me Bek Bek...but I wish they would! My husbands name is Mark, and that is what his friends call him. I call him "Big Daddy" unless I am mad at him! I am not very good at working the computer, but I have really had fun reading friends and family's blogs. So, I decided it would be fun to try to have one myself. Well, everybody I told about my blog has wondered "why do you need a blog?" Well, I don't know. Maybe I am lonely and need friends. So, if you read my blog please feel free to comment.
Let me tell you a bit about BD (Big Daddy) and me. We have just married off the last of our four children this past August. We are SO lucky because each one of our children have married the finest spouses. We have three grandchildren that put the twinkle in our eye. Later on I will let you see a picture of them and you will see what I am talking about.
All our lives we thought after the kids were up and out we would travel and see the world, or retire to the cabin in Wyoming, or serve a mission...but it all happened too fast and we are way to young to retire or serve a mission and don't have near enough money to travel the world. So, we are just hanging out doing the same thing we've been doing for the last 29 years! Won't this blogspot be fun when we do start doing some of those things?
O.K. well that is enough for now. Later on I will tell you more about our hobbies and what makes us tick.

This is Big Daddy. Photography is not one of his hobbies but, he does like to take pictures of himself! He is the man of My dreams.