Ulaine Pitbull... Superstar

Seriously folks - this is my twin - no no no not the one on the left, that one on the right!  (Gosh - do I LOOK like I have a mustache?) These two together (are not really right and normal..... but.... ) are my buddies.  I never fail to laugh when I'm around Elaine, we bring out the absolute crazy in each other.  My kids love her - my husband loves her... well... you know - when Rich isn't.... you know.... (wow - he must have heard my comment by the look on his face!)  I remember the first time I met Elaine - I had just moved into our home and she came to the front door - not even knowing who I was and said, "Come on - get the kids - we've got a basketball game to play!"  I'm all.... um.... ok and you are???  Elaine!  Now Hurry!  Off we went (you know you should NEVER ride with strangers - she could have kidnapped us and taken us to Vegas, where we would have instantly SOLD those children and gambled ALL our money away)  I came home that day and realized that I must have done something extremely amazing in heaven to get to have a friend like her.  Over the 22 years we've known each other we've watched our kids grow, talked over a million hours on front door steps, exchanged jokes that might upset any Bishop, laughed so hard things came out of our noses, and cried until we had no more tears - oh wait - I still have that Elvis picture of you at Halloween - you glued hair on your chest and came to the door in a yellow tux.... priceless (and probably illegal).  Isn't that what life is about?  We can go a year or so without even contact and then BINGO - we're off to the races with whatever is happening and we've never left each others lives.  I stole her U of U flag (brand new) off of her house one day... then called and said, "Some idiot just left a new U of U flag on my doorstep...."  She's all... "Crap - someone just took mine!"   One Christmas she let me have the target shooting cardboard dear, dressed as Rudolph - I put it on my house with arrows through it blood everywhere - scared the neighborhood kids to death.  My ever most fave in the world.... The plastic Nun and Firer... complete with light bulbs.  I see more shenanigans in our future.... I know she would give me the shirt off her back (and has actually - I have several lovely blouses in my closet.... oh - did you want those back?)  She's the one I call when the world crumbles.  She's the one I know will understand.  She's the one that her heart is SO FREAKING big.... that her chest (although sagging onto her stomach now) is larger than life.  Rich is my buddy too - I'm still waiting to grill up a burger on that new deck.... could you hurry that along Rich?  I was in a meeting at work today and Elaine came into the store - I waved and my boss asked me if I knew her.  I asked if she was identified on any store videos for any reason.... he said not yet...  and then I told him I was her twin.  Can't you see the resemblance?  Dear Elaine you are always going to be Thelma, I promise to be Louise.... I love you - I love that my life has had purpose - because you were in it.  Remind me to give you those Christmas Ornaments.... with the two chestnuts.... I have a few left over.  xoxox Pitbull forever...

Let me check my list...

I am guilty - yes - so extremely guilty - of A.D.D. list making.  I make a list for EVERYTHING under the sun - including writing a blog post today - yep on the list.  There is the daily list, the never ending - never completable list.  It would take 5 people to do what I put on that list.  At the end of the day I am SO frustrated because I didn't finish that stupid list!  So I make a new list and put the unfinished items at the top of the never ending list for the next day.  I then have a week list - which I swear I must be on some unknown medication to think that ANYONE could do what's on that list.  Freakishly true, at the end of the week, each list is complete because I beat myself up inside if I don't accomplish them.  There is the List of Supernatural Things that ABSOLUTELY need to be done - I haven't started that list yet - there isn't enough pens in the world to check off those items.  At work I make lists to remind myself which list I need to get things done from.  Shopping lists are the death of me.  If I lose a list, I panic - so I make 2 lists sometime - one to take with me so I can make more lists - and the one I leave home in case I lose the list during the day.  Tonight - I'm exhausted - I am too tired to list the reasons why - so I think I'll just post my fantasy list - and then list what I need to do before I sleep tonight.  Enjoy.

1.  Find someone to just comb my hair for an hour.

2.  If someone could just scratch my back right in the middle.

3.  Soak my tired bones in the tub

4.  Try NOT to think about this week, and the lists of lists...

5.  Figure out how to get the maraschino cherries out of the bottom of the glass without spilling all of the ice into my face.

6.  Explain to the 94 year old man from my mission that telling the young mother in front of us in church that her child is a slow thinker and will be his entire life and that she needs to do something about it....  never mind - Missionary Experiences - has it's own list...

7.  Call my mom - and not have to repeat repeat repeat repeat everything.

8.  Make a doctor appointment for my list obsession

9.... oh great I said list - I know I've forgotten something - I gotta make a list.

10... Make a list

Insert Seatbelt Here.....

I remember blogging about fun stuff - a long time ago.... so after this blog post I'm going to head back to the funny farm, perhaps cheer things up a bit. 

This is my beautiful niece Katie....

... and this is Katie's back

after breaking it in a rollover accident in a truck

on a dark road in the middle of the night

So when the phone rang at 5 am on Tuesday morning

and the caller was my brother - the first things I said was,

"Is it Mom?"

"Is it Dad?"

Through his tears he said - "It's my Kate"

But she was alive.

And you see, that's where the miracles started.

Tonight she's just come out of surgery where the surgeons inserted nuts, bolts,

rods, and a few other random parts to give her her life back.

Her fingers and toes are moving.

It really doesn't matter to me what or how this happened,

what matters to me is that my brother

didn't have to bury is daughter,

I didn't lose my niece.

Because in our family

EVERYBODY MATTERS

EVERYONE IS LOVED

Her recovery is going to be hopefully one of those

prayed for,

needed,

timely

"COME TO JESUS"

moments.

Because HE let her stay,

and make a DIFFERENCE in life.

What would you do with a second chance in life?

I had that chance

I chose wisely.

Thank you for miracles,

for family, for prayers, faith larger than life,

men on top of a roof in the dark laying tar paper,

dinners delivered to the house,

the opportunity to tell each of my children

that I loved them, and then asked

them for their prayers and faith to

be put to work, knowing that they did,

for skilled doctors, a Father's Blessing,

and for Katie's life.

I'm super glad she lived,

because now I'm going to kill her.

Hug your kids today folks.

Matt Bethany

Dbug, Emster

Ashley, Mike

Mandy, Ryan

Jbug

Ryan and Katie

(no not the same Katie)

You are loved

Wear your seatbelt people



Gettin' down to business....

Headed to Mendon this weekend - there were several hundred things on the list of things that needed done so we made sure we took a hard working troupe with us.  Del, myself, Mandy, Baby Jake and Katie piled up in the car - with only one stop for a McDonalds Coke (for the co-pilot) and off we went. It was a beautiful day in the Valley - it was perfect company in the car.  This was Katie's first trip to Cache Valley - and meeting Ryan's extended family there - including Grandma - who was excited all 10 times we introduced Katie to her during the day.... (: 

There was a roof to take off... because the new one is excited to get put on....

(Thanks to Eric and some wonderful townspeople, it went pretty fast)

I love this little house on the corner

There were flowers to plant - everywhere possible,

and great help to do just that - (chick power)

Del was stuck - er - had the opportunity to fix everything

that had an engine on it... and then some...

Jake was busy moving all the toys around

and making sure everyone kept busy...

Then the garden had to be planted...

This year we decided to plant Grandma

to see if she would grow a foot or two....

(yes I frightened Katie in my

shorts and tank top sorry...)

They had to step off the spacing for the seeds,

I thought they were actually the prettiest

things I've seen in the garden in long time!

Mandy and Katie each got to plant their own row

of corn... but it also meant using Great Grandpa Hill's

'culivator' as Grandpa Fred called it.... This was a riot to watch.

Of course we had to start up the fire pit and

feast on serious hot dogs...

Mom and Eric were waiting in line for

their hot dog sticks - we are SO civilized...

Jake made sure there was plenty of wood for

the fire, such great help is so hard to find.

Everyone loved Katie - she worked so hard and the flowers

she planted were beautiful.  I personally am concerned about

just one little tiny issue... she likes tomatoes.... eh...

that's an entirely different blog TBA.

(other than that - she's obviously perfect!)

This day was about helping my mom - but it meant so much more to me than that.  Ryan is staying with Katie's parents in California during his internship - they are amazing and so full of love and support for him - it's appreciated more than they'll ever know.  Today - we got to have Katie, and enjoy her spirit and watch her kind heart doing service.  I didn't want her to be alone - and I was being kind of selfish wanting her for the day to meet the Northern Utah Family.  I loved that Mandy and Jake were there - they already know of Mendon's magic, and you've never seen harder workers than were there today.  Jake LOVED playing in the yard, and eating dirt, and just being excessively cute.  Mandy never ever stopped - she was crazy busy all day.  It was great to have Del there - he doesn't get there very often - and he put my mom's heart to ease about a few mechanical issues that bugged her.  I was grateful for my brother Eric for working so hard to take care of the roof and the car and being so cute to Mandy, Katie and Jake.  I appreciated Terri, my sister in law - who throughout the day fed us and made sure that we didn't plant too many crookneck squash.  We rewarded her by planting a Banana Squash just for her and Mike.  The ride home was my favorite - we all talked and laughed and giggled with Baby Jake (who was perfect the entire day and LOVED his Grandma)(duh of course).  It was a day of service - for each other and for our souls.  A good day to blog about - we'll keep you updated on whether Katie's corn comes up better than Mandy's or the other way around... Terri will watch the squash.  Grandma will forget we planted the garden.

Thanks everyone - you made my life sweeter today with your time - and your love.

Del - Mandy - Jake - Katie

Eric n Terri

Here's to many more fire pit moments

Please do not pass the tomatoes

Bob loves Lee Lee

Seriously - could I ever be so lucky?  This is my daughter - and I love her heart and soul.  Today is her birthday - and sometimes I dream of the fun parties we had when she was a little girl.  We would plan a party on their even birthdays - and then have a family party on their odd years.  I have learned many many things from this beautiful person.  She has brought light into my world, and has lifted my soul many times.  I watched her accomplish her goals, stand by her man, and shape up the world.  When I held her for the first time - I looked into those dark blue eyes and only dreamed of all that she would become.  She has exceeded those dreams in many ways.  She brought Mike into our world - our family would never be the same without his kind heart.  Together they make the room light up when they walk into it.  I have appreciated her courage, and her strength.  I can't wait to see what the next year will bring for her - I know, that with all she's made of, the sky is the limit.  Never forget how much you are loved by your mom.  I carry your heart....

Oh Happy Day Ashley - may all your dreams continue to come true.

Mommy Dearest...

My children have taught me many things over the years.

So on this mom's day I'm not going to to into the warm

fuzzy details of moms but rather the ways I believe I was

a very mean mom, and wouldn't change a thing about it.

I decided at the very beginning of my career as a mom

(and yes, that's what a full time mom is folks)

that I would make life interesting difficult for my kids.

I brought a few of those items out of the dusty

closet of my memories and decided to post them

in case anyone wants to know what they are made of.

My children may interpret these differently,

but this is how it went down at our house....

You were not allowed to just do your best,

you had to do your best ever.

If you made it - you learned something

if you didn't - you learned something

What is the plan if you don't make it?

What will you say to the winner?

Are you prepared for what they will

say to you?

I loved it when they lost - it built

better characters for them when they won.

Have you served anyone today?

If not - it's almost dark, you might

want to hurry.

They had to work for every dime they

needed for anything.  Regrets?

(nope)

They know how to be poor

 (aw mom you won't buy that for me?),

and rich (I've almost saved enough for that!),

and happy with both

Financial Maturity - even if you

only have a dime - you know how to

budget it.

Have you laughed today,

if not, I'll find a way to make that happen

if you have laughed, share that with me.

If you've cried, I'm here for that too.

The best way to fail in life,

is to leave God out of it.

(you can try - but trust me on this one)

You will never find yourself alone,

because I've sent some dead relatives

spirit to follow you around and watch over you.

(probably the creepiest thing ever)

There is no reason to ever be alone,

because you've been taught about

Heavenly Father

If you have a dream, and someone

has theirs, don't make theirs yours,

unless you are marrying them,

anyone else - doesn't count,

Then make both of those dreams

happen together.

(double the dreams)

Remember who you are first, and the

heritage of people you come from,

don't let them down,

don't take their name down with you

make your own mark, set it higher,

achieve it and your children will

have something amazing to look up to.

Sacrifice

It keeps you humble

Forgive

It keeps your soul healthy

What someone else thinks

of our family,

is none of our business,

if you are choosing the right,

that makes it God's business,

and he's a better

person than anyone else you'll

ever meet.

I will always tell you the truth,

it might hurt,

but it will be truth.

Then I know you will not lie

to me - or others, and become

that which you know is not you.

After you are finished being mad

at me, I will be the first one there

to ask forgiveness from you

for making your soul sad..

Go and get the Jet ski

(remember every moment

of our times together, on

really awful days,

pull those memories out

and rejoice)

(or better yet - come and

read the quote wall)

You may not have this

and this together,

until you are married.

(a traditional birds and bees)

(no forging of signatures needed)

If someone ticks you off on the

freeway, you were given 10 fingers,

choose wisely which you'll use.

If they are still tailgating you,

you may pull the gun out.

However you kiss your date

goodnight - you will have

to come in and kiss me

the same way....

No one talks down to you.

You need to remember that

they need to earn the right,

and have permission

from you to do that.

(Be cautious who you give that to)

Give others the same respect

and from this you will grow

I am your mom,

always will be, and sometimes

I may need to remind you of that

and that I allow no one

to demean you in anyway.

(JHS hates me)

Because I still can hurt people.

But if you have done something

to deserve it, you will need

to be strong and endure what is

coming your way.

When you love someone - love them

with all your heart and soul,

protect them, honor them,

support them.  And they will do the

same for you.  Unleash your ability

to have joy, and receive joy.

Trust

If you are troubled over something

have the faith to ask in prayer

for comfort, believing in the ability

of someone bigger than all of us

to help you.

Then follow that guidance

See it through both eyes,

the blue one, and the green one.

If you are angry with someone,

think it through, carefully.

Then call the family

Chemist, to blow them up.

When you achieve those dreams

you worked your guts out for,

acknowledge those that helped

you along the way.

If you forget gratitude,

you've not achieved anything.

Show emotions,

laugh, cry, yell,

scream,

but don't let Mandy

sit next to an open window

in the car when she's showing

her emotions.

Celebrate accomplishments

of each other in the family.

Call and let them know how

amazing they are - and how

proud you are to be their

brother or sister.

Teach that to your children,

Your family members

will always be your best

friends, they will not hurt you

or leave you, or let you be sad

alone.  They will be the first to

knock on the door.

Eat cake right out of the pan,

be bold with your fork.

Love the person you are.

You are important, and valuable,

and necessary in our lives,

soon those around you will

catch on to that and they

will love you as I love you.

Keep the cat away

from the coolers.

Recognize all that you've

worked hard for.

When others say "Over Achievers"

as you've heard mockingly,

stand tall...

because you are living your dream

and no one handed it to you.

Sit out in the back yard in a chair

and just let some magic in sometimes.

Let your soul be reminded that

you have a mother that loves

you more than life itself.

Then pick yourself up and

make the best of your life.

Someone ticked me off today.

So I'm standing up for

my mothering skills...

because

I

believed

in

my

kids

and they've

never

disappointed me

ever.

(anyone else want to take me on?)

Happy Freaking Mother's Day

May Day in Mendon

To some - this may seem very strange - but if you are a resident of Mendon, you know all about Mendon May Day.  In fact - if you've lived there for the past 150 years as of this year, you would have experienced all of them.  The first day in May is always the day that the townspeople of this little northern Utah town celebrate the coming of spring.  Each year a queen is crowned at a town celebration, it's always from the 11th grade girls from the town.  The name has been chosen from a hat now for the past 35 years or so, which made it equal for all of the girls.  The rest of the girls become the Maids of Honor.  They are accompanied by the boys of the same age.  The enter into the town square in a long line, all dressed up beautiful, they are led into the circle of townspeople by the Mayor of Mendon and his wife - there is a little boy and girl that carry in the crown, and behind them are all of the little girls from the town ranging from Kindergarten to 6th grade (give or take a few ages here and there).  These little girls dance around a Maypole and braid the strings, and sing the songs of Mayday in honor of the Queen of May.  Tradition is rich in this town - all things must be done the same way each year.  People notice if it changes.  This tradition not only honors the new breath of spring - but honors the youth of the town, who will hopefully become those that carry on this tradition for their children.  So far there have been 150 queens, some of which have been generational queens - Grandmas come to see their granddaughter's and so on.  In this little corner of the world there is a magic that exists that cannot be described, nor duplicated.  Here are the pictures of that day.... and the memories I'll keep close to my heart.

The Mayor of Mendon Ed Buist - and his sweet wife
My Mom - right behind them - Mrs. MayDay
The queen and her court behind them and all
of the dancers follow - it's quite a sight.
After the queen is crowned the dancers dance
their dance for her.

The same steps to the braiding of the May Pole
has been used each of the 150 years - many of
the people in the audience can do the steps
or repeat exactly the songs that are sung.

5 May Day Poles surrounded by little girls

The crowd was filled with crazy people!

The audience... was related!  Heidi (center front) was
also a May Day Queen!

Jake (my handsome grandson) and is dad Ryan
were great sports on their first time
for the Festivities of May Day

The beautiful Mendon Mountains have watched this
scene over and over through the years.  Some years
the sky is clear and bright, some have been rainy, and
one year  -  snow.  But every year it happens,
and Spring is welcomed in.

The Queen is always crowned with

a wreath of flowers

This is Madison Collins,

the 150th Queen of May

  

Afterwards our family gathered at Mom's house and we laughed and told stories and of course ate traditional 'Schlopppy Joes'.  How lucky we are to have the little traditions in our lives that make life worth celebrating.  There are many stories of May Day's past.  One day, those stories will be made available to everyone and you can all feel of this magic.  Until next May Day - the songs and sounds and sights of this years celebration was made richer by those that I celebrated it with.  Come To The Woodland, Away Away...... gathering flowers for the Queen of May....