Check... check check...

It's 3:30 PM - and I've already worked my hours today - and have to work a graveyard tonight.  I'm not happy with my current employment.  Does anyone want to pay me a bunch of money with benefits? (:  Seriously - I have to sleep sometime today before I die tonight at work - but there are just under a million things that have to be done - and they have to be done today.  Work, Missionary Mail out, Temple Run (I HATE 1300 East), ended up heading to Jordan River - their chairs are SO much more comfortable to snooze in..., need to make dinner - I hear the dryer running with it's second batch of clothes, I THINK I'm suppose to have Visiting Teachers today, need to make MY appointments for tomorrow - what to do for the weekend - Mendon or stay or stay or Mendon, I teach a RS lesson on Sunday - I'm SO unprepared and psyco about this lesson - I'm pretty sure I'll be released after I teach this one... always edgy on the lesson ideas - try to break that old mold - Ryan's scrapbook pages are piled here next to my Windows 95 computer, Nienie has already posted her blog and inspired the world, worried about the X96 Workers Union concert tonight being rained out - how can you rock and roll in a thunderstorm?  I can't lift my arms above my head because I worked my shoulders last night, survived Jen's killer workout - that woman can hurt you bad - I'm just sayin'... Ran to Distribution in my workout clothes to buy garments for my Missionary Man - oh - please just keep your looks to yourself woman!!  Bought a Spanish BOM for my custodial worker at work, hope he's legal, I do worry... MMM.. chicken salad... Deseret Book.... My Missionary letter to Kyle Johnson is waiting for me to mail... my float receipts are floating around the car somewhere with the "Lorenzo Snow" signs... there are two Count Chocula bowls of cereal and a glass of lemonade on the stand next to me that I need to carry downstairs, and in 15 minutes I will have missed Happy Hour at Sonic for my crunchy ice..... Somewhere in there I realize that I'm pretty blessed, and do believe that I need to take a cold shower and lay underneath the swamp cooler that isn't swamping anymore because it's too hot.  'nite.... er afternoon or whatever it is... phones are off the hook....  What time does the Library close anyway??

If you built a Loser Float... they will come (kinda Kevin Costner eh?)

Ok folks - here in Utard we have lots 'o parades.  One of the 5 largest in the country is our Days of 47 Parade for the 24th of July.  This celebrates all of those amazing pioneers entering the Salt Lake Valley - one of which bringing in the 1st Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was my 8th Great Grandfather - Daniel Hill.  So it's kind of a special day in the hearts of those that honor their heritage - and I do very much honor them.  The week before the BIG 'o Parade there is a Days of 47 Youth Parade - our Stake (Stake: a group of Wards - which is a group of Mormons.... jest in case...ya didn't know)  was invited to participate and that we did!  Mr. Hillary and I were on the float committee.... yep - everyone laughed when we were assigned that one.... we didn't care - it was a way to serve - and that's what we've taught our kids so it meant we served with all of our hearts! This parade was all about the children of the church - and they were SO excited to be in a parade!
Now - just so you know - whom ever won today - would have to participate in the BIG 'o Parade next week - so our Stake set out to make a 'Loser' float - yes you read that right -because NONE of us will be able to attend next week - because we will be celebrating with our very own dead pioneers and random family members - instead of floats full of cloggers... so hate the cloggers.... Here's how it went down....

 Sandy East Stake Presents

Listen to a Prophet's Voice

Then and Now...
...and here are the pictures from the day...

We decided that we would keep it way simple - and focus on how Technology has provided us a way to hear the Prophets voice first on radio, then black and white TV's and on to 'conference on the go' with a huge I-pod.  Everything was black and white - except for this beautiful color picture of President Monson.   My favorite part was watching the people go by and just smile at the idea from ear to ear....(sweet) There were floats all around us with frilly this and fanfare that - but our float was about a message - not the fluff of it all - and people noticed the refreshing change... and liked it.

AND.... I freakin' made this TV out of a box...and canning lids and aluminum foil and a 'Noodles and Company' bowl stuck on the top and black electricians tape.... next I think I'll build a Mall...

There were actually earphones made and it plugged into the I-pod - brilliant! 

(Oh and each picture - the other side is exactly the same... cost 80.00 to print up.... ouch)

LOVED working with the Rileys - Steve and Jackie
great couple, hard workers, well

except for that stupid U of U outfit...
thought they might kick us out of the parade.

Steve drove the float downtown from Sandy early in the
morning with his cute little 4 wheeler... awesome...
(BTW Happy 50th Birthday Tuesday Steve -
hope your surprise BD party was fun tonight!)

Then our 'Prophets' started showing up.

President Dahl was Lorenzo Snow (ok - so the white beard was missing).

Sister Dahl was a perfect addition (she also forgot her beard).

Brigham Young also made an appearance with at least
one of his wives... another story - for another day...
(Brother and Sister Spendlove)

Yep - that's Joseph Smith (President Bell) 

(Emma Smith was busy with the little ones...)

President Gordon B. Hinckley and Marjorie Hinckley

were a HUGE HIT!!!!  (President and Sister Kevin and April Jensen)  These guys stole the show - President Hinckley made sure he brought his cane and waved to everyone with his great smile.

**

Special note here - We had Prophets representing different technology era's in the church - our Stake Presidency were amazing to help us out - and the Costuming came from 'This is the Place' Heritage Center.  When each of them walked up to the float - you could just feel the Spirit of that particular Prophet there - they brought the moment to life for everyone - and there were MANY tears shed - it was priceless.

Check this cast o' Prophets out! (:

Gosh I love these guys and gals...

The lining up of the baked children - the temps were well

into the 100's today and water was a mainstay.

I was SO proud of the children and they were all troopers.

I gave them the Parade Pep talk - we sang our songs and

President Dahl talked to each of them sincerely... more tears...

Let's get this party started!!

Each group of children walked behind their prophet, held their

signs high and waved 'parade style' at the loudly cheering crowd

who recognized each prophet with an audible...

"LOOK THERE'S PRESIDENT HINKLEY, and JOSEPH SMITH,

and LORENZO SNOW, and WOW - there's BRIGHAM YOUNG!!!

Which made the children walking with them cheer loudly.

(SERIOUSLY  - everyone pointed at the float and said....

That's my FAVORITE!!)

Channel 2's News Team covered the Parade - Ron Bird and Mary Nichols

spotted 'President Hinckley' right away and the cameras were on him like glue.

They stopped him and spent a moment with him - the conversation went as follows:

Ron - President Hinckley - it's wonderful to see you here today!

President - Well - it's good to be back!!

PAUSE:  Is this a Resurrection Miracle?

It's good to be back?

(President Jensen started giggling at his comment)

Ron:  You must be tired - your a pretty old guy!

President:  Not as old as those Prophets up there!

(Ron Loses it in laughter!!)

Yep - we are now famous TV stars...

See those ORANGE SHIRTS????

(JUDGES!!!!!!!!!!!)

They came by our float 4 TIMES....

Each time - more judges came together as a pack....

NEW PICTURE.....

See that plaque Jackie is holding?????

WE WON THE

LEGACY AWARD!!!!!

 (ok - so were NOT losers...)

Amazing morning - many tears - sweet beautiful children

and kind tender Prophets...

It's what the Days of '47 are all about.

So - Margorie Hinckley and I partied late into the morning,

until she needed a nap and I needed a Coke.

Thought you all might want ta know.

I heart Utard.

My "I found a nutshell - so I'm putting everything in it"...post

OH HOLY COW - by the time I get to post anything I'll be old and ... well... let's not go there.  So I've decided that I will just post all these pictures and put a caption to them and move on with my out of control life.  But as you look at them - I want you to see HOW BEAUTIFUL - my children are.... seriously folks - the only thing MORE BEAUTIFUL would be my GRANDCHILDREN and they are also in these pictures!!! So pop some popcorn (Theater kind, blast 'o' butter, extra fixins - meaning throw some M&M's in there too) and enjoy my camera's view on life as of late.  (.... not the other camera... just one of the cameras... because I have a stupid camera and then I have this camera, which I like, but I really hate using..... squirrel)  Seriously folks - no time to put these in order - welcome to my world... (this is quite possibly the laziest post I've ever done..... until the next one)

 

I like this smile

 

Brandon - the one and only favorite nephew...

and available for marriage...ok - we'll pay you to take him....

 

3 generations... no wrinkles... more wrinkles. and freaking old wrinkles. 

hate good byes - love brave soldiers... love brave daughters even more...

Shared this good bye with the Tuellers - sending Daniel off on the same deployment.....

Great Grandma and Grandpa meet Emma for the first time... and get extra time with Andy 

Two and a half generations - hi mom... over there - who took this anyway?

4 Generations

My Oldest Son - we are all totally crazy - seriously..

Seriously folks - you cannot get these guys to give you a good picture....

Just in case you missed my mom in the last picture - what a punk rocker mom!

case you missed the last one....I'm not lying here folks...

 

This is a priceless picture to me - 

heck not the two in the back... ok - well -they are precious also...

 

Me daughter loves her Ryan (not my Ryan - her Ryan - but she likes My Ryan also...

Never let Mandy find your camera...I

I'm serious.... these are the ones I DARE post....

I think Emma likes her Great Grandma June....

Um.... could I just get a bowl of cereal and a bandaid please?

 

My son that is isn't my son but is 100% my son - understand? 

The Freedom Riders honor those deploying - Love you Mike, Dr. Love and Daniel!

 

and back to Emma again... LOVE my Mom's face on this one... 

David, Betsy and the boys met up with us at the Rest Home - (thanks you guys!!) 

Ok - and just to pass the time.... Ashley and I did the Little Red Riding Hood Century Ride...  

Dang... she's always beautiful... I think that's a dead fly on my eyebrow....

You know - this quick and sloppy might just be the guilt free way...

Now were are those 4th of July Pictures...... which camera.... hum......
(I love my kids, I love who they married, I love their little spawns of joy....)

Can you just see the fireworks starting?

  SO...............  Karin and Keith (and Murphy) will be joining us for the 4th of July weekend - Mr. Hillary and Keith decided to get the womenfolk a little riled up before the games begin.... after you read this information that has been circulating around the men folk... any one know of a good 'Dog House' they could stay in - because Karin and I and Murphy.... are staying at the Grand America.... xoxox

MEN  ARE JUST HAPPIER PEOPLE


NICKNAMES:

• If Laura, Kate and Sarah go out for lunch, they will call each other Laura, Kate and Sarah.  
• If Mike, Dave and John go out, they will affectionately refer to each other as Fat Boy, Godzilla and Four-eyes.  

  
EATING  OUT:

• When the bill arrives, Mike, Dave and John will each throw in $20, even though it's only for $32.50.  None of them will have anything smaller and none will actually admit they want change  back.  
• When the girls get their bill, out come the pocket  calculators.

  
MONEY:

• A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs.  
• A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't need but it's on sale.

  
BATHROOMS:

• A man has six items in his bathroom: toothbrush and toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, a bar of soap, and a towel .  
• The  average number of items in the typical woman's bathroom is 337.  A man would not be able to identify more than 20 of these items.

  
ARGUMENTS:

• A woman has the last word in any argument.  
• Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.

  
FUTURE:

• A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.  
• A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.  

  
SUCCESS:

• A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.  
• A  successful woman is one who can find such a man.  

  
MARRIAGE:

• A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't.  
• A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change, but she does.

  
DRESSING UP:

• A woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants, empty the trash, answer the phone, read a book, and get the mail.  
• A man will dress up for weddings and funerals.

  
NATURAL:

• Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.  
• Women somehow deteriorate during the night.

  
OFFSPRING:

• Ah, children.  A woman knows all about her children. She knows about dentist appointments and romances, best friends, favourite foods, secret fears and hopes and dreams.  
• A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house. 

Something about a talking Walrus?

Just so I can see them together

I posted this selfishly just for me.

Pretty soon I'll be able to write about it.

Until then...

I love you both so much!

Podular Notations Suggestion

So - I'm someone that really loves spiritual music - ok - when I'm not listening to Radio from Hell on X96, and on the side a little Stained - and Foo Fighters.... And - when you have the Tab Choir - it's pretty hard to beat that - along with the MULTITUDE of LDS musicians that shine their way to the top of the spiritual charts.  But I really found my diamond in the rough - and I want you to listen to this guy sing!  He sings spiritual mostly - his messages are amazing - and he also remakes amazing songs by other musicians.  He is a wonderful American Christian Vocalist from Texas.  I am crazy about his Christmas album - and it's always playing all through December.  So my Podular Notation Suggestion - would be to click on my I-pod here on my blog - if your sound is on it will already start playing - look past the beard and freaky hair - and listen to the first song.  Amazingly sweet.  If you like that one - click across to the song about the Savior - the 3rd or 4th song - enjoy... David Phelps (no he's not a swimmer).

It's Mr Hillary's Birthday

.... but not until 4:00 PM this afternoon - so his mom said.  (He was a big baby - so how could she forget) (kinda still is a big baby - and yes I still love him so remember that as you read on)  So I really don't have to be uber nice to him until then right?  Oh Happy Day husband (just said kind of excited)!

 Let's recap some feelings I have about this.

Usually I have warm fuzzies about peoples' happy days but I'm kind of on a 'path to recovery' with my happy day feelings just with him.  Dec - my 50th' birthday - LIKE IT'S NOT JUST YOUR RUN OF THE MILL BIRTHDAY - oi - I got that out.  So I get the card saying:  Hey - the kids will come for dinner - yeah!  BUT - you can also choose your gift!!!  (Oh - am I a lucky girl or what?)  I have multiple choices on the card and I mull over them - trying to pick just the right one.... and after careful consideration of the immediate gratification I could receive from 4 of them...(they were all very nice and I was feeling very loved and special!!!), I came to the conclusion that I would choose the one where we would wait until a month later when I could have some time off from work (retail + December = no time off) and we would go to Disneyland - just him and I for a day, spend a day at the beach, visit a few family members and head home joyfully fulfilled with memories of a great 1/2 freaking century of living....... awwww... I was so excited - and didn't mind being alone the entire day because I knew that we would have a riot in a month!!!! (:    (what a guy!) (: 

  sigh

 Still haven't seen the day come - still waiting.... still waiting.... still waiting  - it's June   Kindly mentioned it - posted the card on the bathroom mirror - circled the date - cleared the day off at work.... nothing.  Not to be ungrateful - I enjoyed immensely that the kids came over and we had some great laughs which should have been enough - but the bait was set right out there before me in a contractual - birthday card!  RIGHT?  Still waiting.... kinda bitter about that one (betcha couldn't tell eh?).  So.............. today is HIS birthday.... and I enjoyed getting him a wonderful gift with the kids help..... I made Lasagna for his Father's Day/Birthday family dinner.... today I am taking him to a movie and dinner.... and kept all of my promises.  So even though it's birthday wishes day for the old man.... I am not really a nice person today.  I'm pulling out my Junior High Attitude and I am pouting and saying, "Wrong? Why there's nothing wrong dear"  Sometimes it just looks like everything is great - but inside - there was no happy 50th, and no Disneyland as promised.  But if anyone else is having a birthday today - HAPPY BIRTHDAY and may all your WISHES come TRUE!  .... and I'll take a chill pill and get ready for the movie.  (I'll have a real Coke on the rocks today....) (WHY?)  Because I'm 50... any problems with that?  (I love when the evil twin comes out to play) I should have married his sister - her birthday is tomorrow!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY KARIN!!!!! (:  ..... but then - you live right next to Disneyland and you have season passes... and your 50th birthday was spent at Club 90 right inside of Disneyland..... because Keith - kept his promise!!!!  AAAAAHHHHH!!!!!  happy day husband... kinda....

(well...... it IS my blog... I know right?)