30 of 30: and there you go!

So I started this challenge after hearing about it from my friend Erin (Cape Woman Extraordinary!) I did this challenge because I wanted to be committed to something that would make a difference. I know that the difference came to me - I love writing - and I love funny stories - and I love to express my anger sometimes - and I love my family and all that they present to me in this life. What I got out of it? Wonderful people writing wonderful things back to me. I heard from old friends (yea! there you are Sherlyn, and (two more seconds - love Mr. Mason!) Erin, and Ginger, and Jen and Jenn, and real old friend Ulaine!!! (love her tons!) ), and from new friends (fun crew from the Halloween songs), and met people that trusted me with their blogs and getting to know them and finding out that I have special friends now (Love that Darci) (I'll always take 'just a peek' thanks!) and I loved that my family supported me by reading each day! The reward returned to me was greater that the reward I thought I could give out - so I thank you for that. I loved to tease my kids and they loved hearing each other being teased about and I love that they laughed because I want them to have happiness (and not fear that they are from the same genetic make up) So the 30 days are over and I'm going to take a sabbatical (or sub-bath-ical) leave for a few days - perhaps actually get something done now that I'm not freaking out trying to get my blog in before midnight. I keep hoping that there is a free give away for those that did it for 30 days - and then I realized that the prize was the joy of seeing that anyone even cared. The world can be a lonely place - you all made it a bit more bearable - thank you for that gift. I hope you'll always check in now and then and that you have had some fun with my mind's thoughts put to the web. I've always loved journaling, but no one ever responds to journals until you're dead - so thanks for your fun comments. I always ended my comments with "and there you go!" because I wanted to leave the door open for you to think about what I had written about. To create a movement of thoughts that made you say, "Hmmmmm never thought about that!" Today I end 30 of 30 and I was wondering how to celebrate such an important achievement - so - what the heck - I'm headed to Disneyland! BTW - my birthday is December 3rd and I wanted to let you know that you can send gift cards to me as long as you know that the company will still be in business when I return in a week ok? My next challenge? 50 things to do before I turn 50 a year from now - that's what you have to look forward to....maybe .....

and there you go!

29 of 30: Move over Vampires, Enter Aussies

Ok - so if you are just not doing anything for 3 hours - you must see this movie 'Australia' . It's amazing and it should win every single award. I had several scenes that I had to look through my fingers because I didn't want to see what might happen. So beautifully done - and Hugh Jackman? Holy Yum. Nicole Kidman is so stunning (I love anything she's in) - and I feel instantly in love with the little boy (yikes those eyelashes!). Based on a true story - it was a real eye 0pener for me and I appreciated the political realism in this movie, a rare find. (Do you think that the old drunk Aussie is Clancy from 'The Man from Snowy River?) TREAT yourself to this movie - what an amazing afternoon at the movies. (Not too bad - Ashley only had to kick 2 old ladies and an old man out of our seats, they thought we were rude to make them move - 2 words - Reserved Seating) Popcorn, Junior Mints and a Coke ... and there you go!

28 of 30: Yes honey - those will work nicely

Ok - so it's been a couple of years since my (handsome, sweet, intelligent) husband has put the Christmas lights up for me. So I laid the guilt trip on him and said that this would be Ryan's last Christmas home for 2 years and he wanted to have the Christmas lights up this year. He was really nice about it and proceeded to put up the lights. Upon arrival home in the dark I see the 1 inch little teeny tiny itsy bitsy lights strung up around the house and standing next to them proudly flipping the switch to ON to show me his great job was my (handsome, sweet, intelligent) husband! Next to him - was the $100.00 box of beautiful icicle lights I've waited several years to see put up again - still in the box. Gotta love him - won't tell him - love my lights! Please feel free to drive by and enjoy them - if you can see them.....and there you go!

27 of 30: Pretty Thankful Today

Hope it all jelled together today for your families.
Off to work - again - but thankful for work.
Chew it to the gristle I say.... and there you go!

26 of 30: Eat until you drop I say...

Ok - so you gathered from yesterday's 30 in 30 blog that I was a bit touchy. It continues. Today I went to my workout class (my 4th one this week with a spin class on the docket for tomorrow morning after my graveyard shift!). My teacher has decided to go vegetarian veganishism of sorts. She looks amazing, I'll give her that, but could you please try to pull all of the guilt she shoved down my throat out of my throat so I can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner? We are told about a dozen times in the week before Thanksgiving that the average person eats about 3000 calories in just dinner on the day of the feasting - AND - that we should all not miss any of our workouts during the holidays. OK Sister, first of all I have now and always will consider myself 'under average' (btw - the average WOMAN will eat 1500 calories), AND why don't you try telling the person that is NOT in the class to not miss a class! EH? (I personally think she needs to be tied down and we can force a Big Mac down HER throat!) As I looked around the room I see people there that never miss any classes and they are absolutely going to eat something because they'll need something to throw up later on! So my Thanksgiving wish for all of you is, "May your workout pants be baggy - your turkey legs large - your pie be creamy and loaded with dairy products - your second helping of mashed potatoes with greasy gravy be plentiful - may there be never ending servings of pie as you watch the football games, fall asleep from the turkey, and drool as we take your picture - and your workouts be short and taught by a large carnivorous mute. Eat, drink and be merry - for the day after that you'll probably die on Black Friday as you are smashed into some door frame..... wait - that was yesterday's blog..... and there you go!

25 of 30: Black Friday - please just shoot me!

I need to say one thing about BLACK FRIDAY - it is a pain in the ads for me. I've worked retail going on 8 years now and I have come to despise the day after Thanksgiving. I know, I know, I know you are all excited about getting in on the big sale and shopping until you drop, but might I comment on my week to prepare for you to run through those doors.... with my top 10 reasons why I leave 1/2 hour before those doors open.

10. Preparing 6 ads all layering dates and times and pull dates, then getting the next 6 ads for the following week piled on that pile. Killing several forests with the paperwork we have to go through to make sure the auditors don't get angry and the customers can actually READ that price point.

9. Stocking, and restocking - no I'm not talking about the cute stockings you hang on your mantle, I'm talking about restocking the Turkey platters that some woman loaded up 2 shopping carts and bought out the store and left a trail of angry Turkey platterless women.

8. Pathetic fuzzy slippers.

7. 4 racks of U of U shirts. You have no idea...

6. Overnights - working a required 40 hours before Black Friday even occurs - Going in tomorrow morning for a shift - going in for a graveyard shift Thanksgiving Eve until 4 am, (because freaking people need to shop on Thanksgiving day? Hey - stay home, cook the turkey and watch the parade & football games and let me do the same!!) (Sorry - tired and angry) leaving my family and working Thanksgiving night to set the ads that will be pulled in 6 hours after the doors opened but took 2 days to prep and hide because they are such a secret.

5. All of the day time workers getting the pizza they bring in after the night shift did all of the work.

4. Under trained cashiers - yikes, combined with the Christmas music track that plays over and over and over again - and again - and again.... it's enough to make you want to drink eggnog excessively.

3. Ad matches - why don't you just wait in line at THEIR store! (:

2. Nobody putting toys in the Salvation Army toys for tots box - (please don't forget to add one!) (Most of your kids already have plenty!!!)

.....and....

1. The doors opening and people turning into maniacs and hurting people and hitting people and running them over and smashing through the doors with small children and dogs and they are yelling and screaming and fighting over the last DVD player that little Johnny just has to have and YUCK - the spirit goes right out the door.

Please be careful this Friday - remember the spirit of the season isn't what you see at 5:00 AM it's found in the little old couple that you know they hardly have a dime to their name shopping from a list that is too long for sweet little children that have less than they do. I know that I just have to muster up enough gusto to make it through the next 48 hours until I can call this week OVER! (I never ever ever shop Black Friday - I'll leave and wave goodbye to those crazy people standing in line and I'm going to a workout after working all night - sleeping a bit - going to a movie - and asking forgiveness from my husband that has had to put up with me through all of this - oh and I'm going to have a LARGE coke from McDonalds right after my work out)..... and there you go!

24 of 30: The need for speed

While some people were knocking each other around a silly football field - some other athletes were running their hearts out at the NCAA Cross Country Nationals. BYU came in 9th in the nation with Kyle Perry taking top honors for the team. Just so happens that another person scoring his personal best and adding points to the team was my son in law Ryan. Their team motto this year was "Juntos" which means together - and they are an amazing group of incredible athletes. It was fun for Mandy because the wives were able to travel with the team to cheer their husbands on at nationals. She thoroughly enjoyed the coaches wife and found her to be so much fun. It was wonderful for Mandy to see her husband put to the test that which he trains relentlessly for every single day. The very first time I met Ryan he was in Mandy's kitchen at Hellitage Hall - he was all dressed up in his BYU running gear and it must have been 20 below - it didn't stop him from running and running and running. You couldn't miss his big blue eyes peeking out from underneath his hat. Not only was it the first time I had met Ryan - it was also the day that I looked over at Del and said - I think Mandy is going to marry this guy! Ryan's smile is as big as his heart - he loves Mandy with all his might (and some day's I'm certain it takes a lot of that) and I love to watch him look at her. Sometimes it's because he's in shock because she's such a nut - but mostly it's because he has such a sweet love for her. I told him before he even ran that we were already proud of him in every way - and now we have even more reason to cheer louder. Congratulations Ryan - a job well done deserves a huge turkey dinner - gotta fatten you up now.... By the way - I didn't hear that the UTES made nationals did any of you? ....and there you go!

23 of 30: Feeling Green? I've got just the remedy for you....

There is only one Elaine in my life - she's my BCFF (best corrupted friend forever) and my lifeline for sanity. Today she was so concerned about me that she sent some home remedies to help me along my way. Perhaps some of these will work for you?

1. Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop. (This one will be very helpful for the Holidays if my mom in law visits...)

2. Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat by using the sink. (Go Aston Krutcher!)

3. For high blood pressure sufferers; simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer. (yea! no more pills for me!)

4. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button. (what if the mouse beats me to it?)

5. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives, then you'll be afraid to cough. (diarrhea is hereditary - it runs in your genes)

6. You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape. (Just think what you could do with the rest of the garage!)

7. Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them. (except me - you'll know right away I'm not right in the head)

8. If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem. (shocking)

Remember: Some people are like slinkies; not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs. (wanna visit?)

Words of wisdom from from my weally witty fwiend, followed by the politically allowed 1 minute or less response from me ....and there you go!

22 of 30: Saturday is a special day it's the day we ...... freaking try to fit everysinglethingwecantdoduringtheweek day.

Random thoughts from a scattered Saturday:

#1 Mandy and Ryan M are in Indiana tonight - we sang her the Gary, Indiana song on the phone. My son in law Ryan is an amazing runner and is going to be running his heart representing BYU at Nationals on Monday. (Need some serious finger crossing on Monday guys). They were able to take their wives to Nationals this time and so Mandy went. Apparently there was a particular game going on today that the team wanted to watch - the only place they could watch it at was a bar - so, um, the problem was not that they were all BYU students going to a bar - nope - the problem was - Mandy is only 20 years old and they wouldn't let her in!

#2 Ashley called and said another rabbit died. Me - being grand baby starved said OH MY GOSH ARE YOU PREGNANT?? To which she answered, "Um mom, I hit and killed a rabbit on the way home from work this morning, cut it's head right off......"

#3 Please keep your kneecaps connected at all times as you exit a car, you might just leave it hanging on the door.... ouch Lee Lee

#4 Make sure that the sensor on automatic doors actually are working before you walk through them.

#5 Have the store remove the theft marker from the clothing that they just gift wrapped for you BEFORE they gift wrap it and you go to walk out....

#6 Load an extra gun to to take to Quantum of Solace to use on your husband who you sent in to at least get to watch the chase scene as you go and buy the nachos and cokes and you return to have missed the first 10 minutes of the show because the nacho maker was a idiot. Might I suggest smuggling in chips and salsa from Chiles? Men, huh, they're always late... (:

#7 Just in passing - was there some kind of game today?? .....and there you go...

21 of 30: THE EVENT has occured

... and it was dang good....
and because I PROMISED Mandy that I
would not COMMENT
until she's seen it - I will keep my promise
about the Twilight movie.
Thank you to the MATURE audience that
did not SCREAM
out during the show.
Thank you to Ashley,
who at 5'11" looked
at the 'stupid' girls that were sitting in our
front row reserved seats
and basically gave them
the look of death as she said
GET THE HECK OUT OUT OF OUR SEATS!
Being worth the wait and all, can you say 'sequel'?
... and there you go.

20 of 30: Twilight is creeping in at midnight...

So are you just about as sick of this logo as possible? Nope - me neither - and so at midnight tonight the screaming girls will start their shrilling and their boyfriends will go - eeewwww - and their parents will wonder why they are not at school tomorrow because they watched the midnight show and . . . . wait a minute - this reminds me of my FAVORITE movie - The Rocky Horror Picture Show - toast anyone? Anyone watch it at the Blue Mouse in downtown Salt Lake City? (Were did I put my squirtgun...) Rock on! Back to Twilight - yep, going tomorrow - not sure if I want the magical waiting period to end - WHAT AM I SAYING? I hope that it just kicks butt on any movie that's been out ever - that's what I hope for Stephanie Meyer - Small Town Girl Takes a BITE out of Harry Potter's World - new headline for the paper eh? Anyway - for those that are going - have a riot! (But PLEEAAAZZZZEEE keep the silly screaming down to a minimum!) What will be look forward to, widgit, and countdown now???? "Let's do the Time Warp AGAIN" .... and there you go.

19 of 30: Bubbas Birthday

You would never guess we are brother and sister right? Well - this is my brother Eric and he is my mothers favorite child. The firstborn and OLDEST always are don't you think? It's Eric's 52nd Birthday - and for his birthday - I am allowing him to swear only 52 times today. He is my very best friend - and I love and adore him with all my heart. He has carried me over the hot coals of life and never left my side. He is the father of my amazing and beautiful nieces and my ever so handsome nephew. His wife and I are the same (youthful) age and when Eric married Terri - I got to have the sister I never had. He is good son-in-law, brother-in-law and an amazing Uncle to my children. (To embarrass them is the goal at every family dinner!) (Ok - Moby Dick!) There are only the two of us - Mom and Dad had a difficult 8 years of not being able to have children - and then they had Eric and thought maybe they could try for one more - and after 3 more years of trying they had lucky me. To know Eric is to know compassion, and kindness, and . . . . ok, he cusses like there is to tomorrow - but that's what I love about him! He is always the first one there to help anyone. He inherited my Grandpa Hill's genes in making magic from any piece of wood there is. He is working on his Masters degree from USU and he's over the Carpentry Department and teaches classes at BATC in Logan. You will NEVER see him without his tape measure on his belt - it's scary. His Secret Santa deliveries are tear jerking as he always searches out those in desperate need of some tenderness - and he also never misses a chance to take gifts to Primary Children's Hospital. He has a deep, deep voice and he calls the softball games in our hometown - you can hear him for miles around. He is also the town sexton! (He makes sure everyone is comfortable at the end of the day - and their headstones are straight.) He takes pride in his family, and in his grandson Charlie. He is always at my mom's back door to help her. He plants a mean garden, he finally got his motorcycle, and he's going to kill Katies boyfriend - so if I were you (whatever your name is) RUN! Well, by beloved brother - Happy Birthday - I love yer guts off.....and there you go.

18 of 30: Just over the fence

Today I kinda had the blues. I watch the number diminish for the days I have left with my handsome son before I turn him over to serve the Lord, work has been consuming my time, Del is on a long, long business trip in a far away land, and I found the walls of my house closing in. I took a walk and tried to breath in this beautiful November day and that kinda helped. Upon arriving at home I started to visit with my sweet neighbor Sandy over the fence. We've lived next to each other for almost 20 years now - and my love for her never dims. We've raised kids together, laughed and cried together, shared many a fence talk, and it just so happened that she was kinda blue too today. We talked and soothed each others hearts and the day just smoothed over. Here's to all of the neighbors that make our days better. We find safety in their nurturing love, they know of our human sides, we trust them with our sweet babies, we pick each other up on blue Tuesdays, and we do not doubt that they are heaven sent. We visited for about a 45 minutes or so - and then I gasped because I had left spaghetti boiling on the stove.....and there you go.

17 of 30: Got Storage?

What the heck! My basement is a storage unit! I thought I would be able to use my basement other than storage for my children's memories but nnnnnoooooo! I've been down there for 3 days now and all I do is move it from one side of the room to the other. Matt was looking for something he needed and he said he thought it was in the basement - I thought - well, good luck with that one! I thought that when they moved away to their own places they TOOK those things with them - but nnnnooooooo! Just about then I am reminded that my mom keeps asking when I'm going to come and get my stuff from her basement..... and there you go.

16 of 30: Stick it on your bumper

Ok, so one of my most favorite things to do when I drive - other than putting on mascara, texting, talking on the phone, eating, singing to the radio and having a full on conversation with whomever is in the car is..... reading bumper stickers. There are some pretty amazingly stupid ones out there! There are the political ones that you wish you could peel off immediately after voting. Some tell of how smart your children are - and like I care which honor roll they are on. Some show pictures of families (large ones) - and next to that should be an RX for some pills they've had around for many years. Many show places they've been - and remind me of why I have no desire to go there. There's those peeing ones that disgust me in every way, mostly because there seems to be a controversy on which company is peeing on which company - make up your minds!! Funny mother in law jokes - gotta love those - actually most of them are true... Some just show pictures of things - Hawaiian turtles, peace signs, rock bands, religious symbols. I for one have an 'Ulcer' biker silhouette on my window from the 100 mile bike ride we do in August - and it works right up to the point that I use my fathers 'Handicapped' sign to park when we need the 'Handicapped' delivered. Del never has to put a bumper sticker on his car that reads, "My other car is a Viper" because he's usually driving his Viper. He should have one that reads "I attract idiots that think they can race me" or his favorite, "Ya cut me off - you suck" There are bumper stickers that make your day with a happy thought - those make you grin even in rush hour traffic. Recently after driving hither and yon for funerals ect.... (major pass time lately) I would like to post my favorite bumper sticker of the week (no doubt it will change soon but it's a good runner up for bumper sticker of the month).Oh - please feel free to post YOUR favorite one - you never know - it might be on the back of MY car soon! ......and there you go.

15 of 30: Halfway Blue.... er Through...

Loved that when I walked into Roberts Craft today that there were 2 Christmas trees trimmed to the max. One was a red U of U tree - small - set in the draft of the opening door - noticed it looked cold. But standing regal and beautiful and on the 'straight and narrow path' in front of me was a gorgeous BYU Blue tree! With the pending game just a week away, the gloves are off - now of course I mean the winter gloves because it's kind of warmer today - and besides - what do I care - I'm a Utah State Aggie - well, until they kicked me out years ago because I spent more time skiing on the mountain that attending class. Ashley said, "Look - it says that Santa is a Ute because he's dressed in red?" Then she added, "But everyone knows his underwear is blue!" I still love my Ute fanz though - one year I even stole Elaine's new red flag and called to tell her that it looked like hers was missing and that I had just picked up a new one just that morning if she wanted to replace it! Joosten Utes - love you guys too- but man there's just TOO much RED on that blog!! (: Let the games begin.... and there you go.

14 of 30: The Checklist

Up at 3:15 for work - return home after work to:

Make sure Del is packed for business trip
Rake Leaves
Mow Lawn
Till Garden
Clean all garden stuff and switch it out for the snow blower
Run to lunch with Del
Take him to airport
Give him a kiss and watch his cute butt as he walked away
Hit Gardner Village, Rod Works, Express, Buckle
Cafe Rio gift certificate for my son in law's BD
Get groceries, deposit check at bank
Run to BYU to hear Mandy perform
Cross my fingers that Ryan ran well at his meet
Visit with Bethany about my Grandson turning 9 mos tomorrow
Set up a Harley Ride with my son Matt
Talked with my mom
Tease Mike
Hassle Ashley
Work on my RS Lesson - on Hope
Drive home from BYU eating a cinnamon roll and driving with my knee
Sing like there's no tomorrow to Staind - because no one can see me singing in the dark on I-15
Apply whitening strips to teeth as I drive past the prison - no connection
Read Elaine's insanely funny e-mails
Look at groceries still on counter and say, oh well.
Check on my fellow bloggers - (way to keep up everyone!)
Wonder where Ryan's IPod is - because it's missing (anyone see it?)
Brush my teeth for the 5th time today
Blog
......and there you go.

Lucky 13 of 30: The true meaning of HAZARD lights...

Quick blog post today - I was driving down the road and watched a car swerving back and forth and slowing down and speeding up. I also noticed that their hazard lights were blinking. Thinking to myself - hummm - are they having a heart attack and need to go to the hospital? Are they trying to pick up a lost French fry on the floor? I decided to pass them to check into the window. No need to worry - just a freaking person texting on their phone as they drive. (They didn't even notice me honking and waving and trying to get their attention so I could actually flip them off!) The Lord created smart people, to create hazard lights, for stupid people.... and there you go.

Even Dozen of 30: The Masterpiece

Ok - so this is my beautiful daughter Ashley several years ago on the day she went through the Jordan River Temple - in preparation to marry her handsome soldier Mike. It was a beautiful day, needless to say. Mike was the first person to marry into our family - we warned him about Mandy - we had him sign contracts that he would not kill Mandy - and then we let him use his own restraint, because he would need to..... Soon after this beautiful picture was taken - I put it on the backdrop of our family computer. It did not matter that we had the computer in an open area and that Mandy was being monitored by an ankle wrap following her every move - she still found the tools needed to fix our computer wallpaper. Each day - something new appeared - each day - we laughed our butts off more... Bobby Shew Jr and Lee Lee are 'Seesters' and this shows just how much their love will tolerate....

Not only is Mandy a master performer - she has a strong background in art (love the flying eggs eh?) ....and there you go.

11 of 30: In your honor...

VETERAN'S DAY - WHO ARE YOU THINKING OF?

My Dad, My Son-in-Law, My Uncle the Col.
Thank you to ALL of you...

Last week my sweet Aunt D was sweetly laid to rest with my Uncle Jay in the Fort Logan National Cemetery - It is a quiet, holy place - and I was proud that they both could receive such an honor to be buried there together.

10 of 30: Chinese Chickens at Lunch?

SO BUSTED! Today I had to get a hold of my husbands associate for some important dates. Mandy is performing in her BYU solo recital next February and with Del's travel schedule we always have to plan FAR in ahead for these things. I couldn't get a hold of Del so I tried his associates cell phone and this is how it went:

Me: Hey RayOvac, how's Jarr Jarr Binks? (He hates Jarr Jarr)
RayOvac (I call him that): (cautiously) Um - ok I guess... (as he tries to figure out who I am.
Me: So you're probably sitting at some Chinese Buffet table with my husband and the rest of the guys right?
RayOvac: Um - Ya right! (sounding shocked and guilty) Oh - It's Nikko! (what he calls me).... How did you know where we were?

I actually had no clue - I just threw that out there just for fun! Apparently they all played hooky as they arranged for their travel plans and stopped in at a local Chinese Buffet for lunch. RayOvac asked Del how I could possibly have known this, to which Del answered: SHE KNOWS ALL! (Be very afraid) Fortune Cookie Anyone?
.....and there you go.

9 of 30: Vegetable Car

Everyone in our family is named 'Bob' - we just have middle names now apparently - Mandy Bobby Shew tagged me - I'll try to keep it clean..

Put your I-pod on shuffle - For each question press the NEXT button for the answer - Write the name of the song for your answer.

1. If someone says, "Is this ok?" you say...
Dirty little secrets - All American Rejects
2. How would you describe yourself?
Defying Gravity - Wicked
3. What do you like in a guy/girl?
But you Don't Care - GooGoo dolls
4. How do you feel today?
Naked - Avril Lavigne
5. What is your lifes purpose?
I hate myself for Losing you - Kelly Clarkston
6. What is your motto?
Statues - Foo Fighters
7. What do your friends think of you?
New Emotion - Ryan Shupe
8. What do you think of your parents?
One Minute - Kelly Clarkston
9. What do you think about often?
Spotlight/Twilight Mix - Twilight soundtrack
10. What is 2 + 2?
Shake it - Metro Station
11. What do you think of your best friend?
Summer's End - Foo Fighters
12. What do you think of the person you like?
Everyday - Rascal Flatts
13. What is your life story?
Dry Country Girl - Rascal Flatts
14. What do you want to be when you grow up?
Everybody wants you - Josh Kelley
15. What will you be dancing to at your wedding?
The Lord's Prayer - Mo Tab Choir (Lord help me on this one!)
16. What will they play at your funeral?
Slow dancin' in a burning room - John Mayer
17. What is your hobby or interest?
Never Give Up - Ryan Shupe
18. What is your biggest fear?
Youth - Collective Soul
19. What is your biggest secret?
How I Feel - Kelly Clarkston
20. What will you post this as?
Vegetable Car - Joshua Radin

YOU ARE MY FAVORITE DORK BOBBY SHEW!
I tag Sherliyn, and How about you Darci?

8 of 30: It's a brand new day...

Today was an incredible day. If you are a mother - you'll relate to my joy. Today for the first time on this earth all of my children were in the Salt Lake Temple at the same time. Ryan went through for his first time. Many spiritual experiences occurred there, many of which are too sacred to share to the world - but I will say as I entered the chapel before the session - there sat all of my children and their spouses on the front row - I was in instant tears. My husband was with my son - and that was special. My mother came in with me and that was special. 3 generations of our family sat there. We were visited by a member of the Temple Presidency's Matrons who spent some time with my mother and I. We told her of our humble missionary, of our family, of the family names that would be taken through today, and of the spiritual experiences that had happened to make this day - a perfect day. She said that the President of the Temple wanted to know of our story and she was going to share it with him. She, through her tears said, "It will certainly be one of my journal entries tonight". I've spent 24 years as a mother trying to raise children to give back to the Lord. Some have said that we hold our children's heads under water and force them to do things. To those that say this - I place my children before you and ask you to compare them to anyone - look at the paths that THEY chose, look at the futures THEY have put their OWN faith it. Look at the eternal LOVE in their eyes and in their hearts. Protest my church all you want - but when the battlefields are drawn - I do not stand in fear because of the warriors and angels around me and my family. Today - heaven touched earth and surrounded my family - because that's the power of the gospel - of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Protest in front of my temple - all you want - but you will never touch that which is inside that building - or inside my heart. Today - I am grateful for a loving husband, 4 beautiful children, a priceless grandson, the amazing people that my children married, my parents, my brother and his family - and for a soon to be missionary experience that will test even the strongest child, and mother. If you would like me to hold YOUR head underwater - I can arrange that (: at any time. Who's on the Lord's side? I am...and there you go.

7 of 30: Long day, long flight, short conversation

Eric (my brother seated next to my mother (which I love) on the airplane): "Mom look at the lights down below us...."

Mom (Deaf as a doornail): "Why are there mice down there?"

Eric (wondering if it's too late to order a $20.00 drink from the flight attendant - too late - we're descending into the valley): "Yep - there certainly are a lot of mice down there mom." (Looks over at me (who was smart to sit in the farthest seat from deaf mommy) with the look of death and reminds me that mom is staying with me until Sunday Night - the later the better)

*Make note to reread the novel, "Of Mice and Deaf Mommies" again to see if I missed a chapter. More details on 'Ode to 3 funerals (we're up to 3 this week) on later postings.....and there you go.

6 of 30: Cover it all in less words

I was reading a motivational idea book – trying to find something to say at this funeral today (that I’m flying off to and trying to get my #6 blog post in fast…..) I thought I would pass on these tender suggestions.

Live in the Moment

1. Take notice of the world around you - be grateful.
2. Focus on whatever you are doing at the time.
3. Smile when you wake up
4. Commit random, spontaneous acts of kindness
5. Minimize activities that dull your awareness of the moment
6. Recognize a higher being responsible for giving you the moment

My daily list that I think covers it all in 4 rather than the way too many ideas listed above (I won’t even number them because it will take too much time)

Laugh until you cry
Cry once a day
Pray
Multi task: Pray that the laughing and the crying will not make you pee.

Think it will work at a funeral? Wish me luck!
...and there you go

5 of 30: Got Time?

So if you are NOT an active blogger you MAY post a comment indicating that I must have PLENTY of time because I am on a quest to post 30 blogposts in 30 days. But the radical person I am would probably delete your comment because I have now stood at the podium and said "I HAVE ALL THE POWER!" But enough about my post from yesterday........ (I didn't see bullet proof glass all around McCain did you?) (Crap- we're going to get stuck with Hairplugs aren't we?) FOCUS!!! I have been noticing that I have a dysfunctional widget! I wanted to have on my blogsite a place where I could keep track of what absolute little time I have left with my son before he leaves to go on his mission. But I noticed that it is ADDING time instead of taking it away. BRILLIANT! I'm all for that!! So on a day like today when I really NEED TO SLEEP I would like to add several extra hours to do just that! Tomorrow we head to Colorado for the second funeral of the week. I'm leaving Del home as he was so OUTRAGEOUS at the last one! I reminded my brother that if he left my mom's hearing aids and/or batteries home he would BE SITTING BY HER ON THE FLIGHT! My brother is speaking at the next funeral - it's a tough one to speak at because we have such a love and respect for our Aunt D. Time, it passes too quickly. Then I visited my dad - and Time, well in his case, seems to take it's own time. My son is going through the Salt Lake Temple on Saturday - it will be the first time on this earth that all of my children and my husband and I will be in the temple at the same TIME. Ya - I had that same feeling you just had - where has the time gone? What will YOU do with your TIME today? Spend it with someone you love.....and there you go.

4 of 30: I vote for Lincoln

I voted early this year - I feel it's my right to vote, my privilege to vote, and an honor to vote. This time I just have a hard time with both candidates. I know that tomorrow I'll probably be choking out the words President-elect Obama by the looks of the stats tonight. But I really don't like McCain either. I felt bad that Palin was railroaded, and I gag at the sight of slippery Biden (hairplugs and all those teeth). My favorite President was Abraham Lincoln - and I'm old enough to remember voting for him - I think - wait - I didn't have a vote then. BUT - at least he was honest. So Oslama will be President - and he's been screaming out 'CHANGE' - and so he had better be honest about what he said he'll change. (He'll need to give me proof of his birth certificate someday) By the way - he isn't going to be the first black President, he will be the 8th according to Wikipidia - the first 7 didn't count because of the color of their skin. I'm all for history being made - but make it in fulfilling promises to this country for the first time in a LONG time as a President. May I do a THANK YOU shout out to all of the beautiful people defending our country - who will be dished by Pres-e-O. May I do a shout out to those with dreams that reach far beyond space - who will have their programs cut. May I give a shout out to those unborn children who Pres O said do not exist until they breath air. I'm going to be busy putting my hand over my heart and crying as I say the Pledge of Allegiance and readjusting the American Flag pin on my lapel. I'll be busy LIVING that I'm proud of being an American instead of 'just deciding that I'm finally proud." On our coins it says - "In God We Trust" - believe me - he's the only one I do....and there you go.

3 of 30: Gotta love my hubby...

Last night Del drove me to Cache Valley for my cousins viewing. (first of all - Lennis - I loved ya cuz!) My husband drove me because I have to work all of my weekly hours in 31/2 days in order to go to the Colorado funeral for my Aunt. Makes for a long day eh? He knew I needed help when he asked me who died... to which I replied Uncle Jay. Ok - he passed away last February - who just recently passed away.... to which I laughed and said, "Oh, duh, Uncle Delores!" Ya - he decided I was not safe on I-15. Then when we arrived he started in on his extreme tasteless movie one liners - all of which were inappropriate for a mortuary, but none the less cracked me up because of my fatigue. "Dead man walking", "Part of the Casket Part of the Ship", "I'll have what he's having" and so on. Needless to say - he looked really hot last night - and it was funny to see is really sick/sad/dry humor come out at a viewing of all places, and I was reminded that I have a crush on him. As we left, I noticed that they had overbooked the mortuary, yep! There was a sweet old lady that everyone had to walk by to go and see Lennis - and nobody was stopping to see her! I thought of getting those airplane landing flashers and directing people. "Ok - you - over there - and you - you need to go around this way before you can move on...." Please - Please - Please - when I die - bury me with a tan, a coke with ice, comfortable royal blue Lycra pants, a sweatshirt, chips and salsa from Chillis, and a funny chick flick to watch on my ride home.....and there you go.

2 of 30: Geeze it took me long enough to figure out...

With the passing of my cousin Lennis and my Aunt D this past few days, I've been thinking about where I fit in with my cousins age wise. I have 15 first cousins. My mom was the last of the Hill children to marry and it took 8 years before mom and dad could have a child. (Another blog for another day) So Eric, my brother and I are the youngest boy and youngest girl grandchildren of Elizabeth and Ray Hill. HOLY COW THAT MAKES ME SPECIAL!!!! (Eric is also special - but mostly just sort of mentally touched special...) My cousin LaDaun said to me tonight at the viewing of Lennis, "No Kent is the youngest", I'm all - HE'S FREAKIN' OLD! (and deaf!) SO - I am, I am, I am the youngest!!!! )And it only took me until now to figure that out! (so blond) Oh and I also inherited both of these noses put together.... I heard this quote today, "The best way to have a piece of heaven in your home is to have someone you love in heaven" I never met my Grandma Elizabeth, she passed before I was born, but I knew my Grandpa Ray. He called my brother and I Pinky and Red, because he thought our names were Norwegian and he couldn't pronounce them! To each of you - heaven is in my home because I carry both of you in my 'youngest grandchild' heart. .....and there you go.