Cell Phones...Shmell Phones!!

Erin you asked if all of those life lessons happened to me, YES...YES,YES,YES! I have done enough dumb, but humorous things in my life to give you a six pack ab work out. For example there are days like today. My whole goal was to get up, watch conference and just enjoy a little peace and quiet. Lets just say it has been technical difficulties all the way around. Oh one can only dream.

I have misplaced my cell phone charger and my cell phone is dead, so I go outside to my car to hook it up to my car charger which works when my car is off. Simple enough...right? NO, I go to plug in the charger and sparks fly so I pull the charger out, oh yes it came out along with the whole cigarette lighter thing, which is now stuck on the charger. So now here we are with no phone and no chargers. So I pull out the trusty old phone. When I say trusty let me briefly explain. I dropped this phone in the toilet, (Yes it was clean water) let it dry out and it still works perfectly. It has had to become a back up for other phone. However it is technologically old which makes me feel old becasue it is easier to use.

This is just one of the daily things I experience that keep my life a constant adventure.

Just had to share.

Forever Strong

It has finally here, the release of Forever Strong, for the nation to enjoy. Now there may be many reasons to go see it such as, inspirational film, you went to Highland High school in Utah or you love the characters. All are very good and logical reasons but the real reason you should go is because I am in it. YEA!!! I made my acting debut as fan number 212. In the credits it does suggest that they used an inflatable audience which is partially true but they used humans also, of which I was one of. A group of us were told that extras were needed for a movie so we though what the hey, why not. Two years ago we piled in our cars and headed for Grantsville where the scenes for the National Championship were filmed.

It was a fun experience for us. I also was able to get a picture with Neil McDonough

(AHHHHHHH those blue eyes)

and his autograph, plus see all of the other actors in the film. It was truly one of the most fun things I have done to date here in Utah. Enjoy the show, few scenes of cheesiness but over all a must see.

Enjoy the show, few scenes of Cheesiness but over all a must see.

Thanks to my friends in Alaska who inform me know I have a cult following. SWEET!!! I will give you autographs at any time.

Helpful hints for life!!!

Sometimes we do things in life that prove our intellect or lack there of... here are a few I thought I would share in my 33 years of, well lets just say, "Gifted Moments".

1. If you don't have glasses on you may think the blinking red light on the wing of your plane is actually another plane.

2. Why Heavenly Father made short people?! To paint base boards and walk under the trees on the sidewalk without ducking.

3. Your hair will stand on end if you electrocute yourself with an oven.

4. The car will not start if it is in any other gear than park.

5. It is possible to get paint on your foot, back, head, hand and pretty much anywhere else in less than five minutes.

6. Canned green beans, if dropped at the proper height and speed, can splatter tomato sauce across a room.

7. Hot potato is a real game and should be played with 2 or more people otherwise use hot pads.

8. You may think that the movie on the plane is talking in a language not spoken on earth (Men in Black 2) but, if after 2 minutes of no subtitles, chances are you're on the Spanish channel.

9. If you feel like your vision is off you may have both contacts in one eye.

10. When using a metal tool to tighten a car battery don't let it hit the metal frame of the car, sparks will fly.

11. Bobby pins can hold the chain in your toilet for 3 years and counting. (Who needs McGyver)

12. Ambien can be bad if in the wrong hands. You won't remember a conversation or anything else for that matter.

13. Don't ask if you can drown a fish, you'll never hear the end of it.

14. If someone takes something out of your desk, and you quickly say, "Stay out of my drawers". People take it wrong.

15. If you use Retin-A on your skin don't wax your eyebrows you will take off a few layers of skin and there is no way to pretend it is eye shadow.

16. Flat things cannot and should not be balanced on round things that is just against the law of physics.

17. When going camping remember to bring your glasses because trying to find the outhouse in the dark while blind is not an easy thing.

18. When the Chinese restaurant says it is hot mustard they are not kidding.

19. When skiing for the first time you can do a flip even off little hill of snow but I would not recommend it the landing is brutal.

20. Barbie's hair cannot be curled or cut. It won't grow back, you'll ruin your mothers good curling iron and your next two weeks of life.



Sad to say but my list can go on for miles, with room to spare for more stuff.



I have found in life there are always bad or stressful days. This is one of the ways I try to get through it... no not doing stupid stuff, but finding the funniest thing that happened to me that day. Life really is full of entertainment.

Please feel free to comment on anything you have learned in life. I always enjoy a good laugh.

So is there an election coming up?

I will admit that I am a total news and political junky. I love CNN, Fox News, Meet The Press, Today Show and many more news sources. I have to say that this political season has me hooked, line and sinker.

With this in mind I have been asked quite a bit about what I think of Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska. To let you know this post is not to persuade you in any way it is just to answer the questions that I have been asked.

Q. What do you think of Governor Palin?

A. So far I really like her and what she has to say. I did watch both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions and really enjoyed learning more on both of the Presidential Nominees and their running mates.

Q.Do my parents like Governor Palin?

A. Absolutely!! I spoke with my parents about Governor Palin and asked them what they thought. They mentioned a few thing. 1. She has an 80% approval rating in Alaska. 2. So far she has done what she said she would. Palin has authorized a $1200.00 payment to Alaskans to help with the increased prices of gas. She did sell the Governor's jet for 2.1 million, while not through e-Bay she really did have it listed on there. She dismissed the Governors personal chef, she drives herself to work and still maintains her motherly duties to 5 children.

Listed below are two websites I have found, read and feel that they can give you a good objective picture of who Sarah Palin is and what she has done for Alaska.

http://gov.state.ak.us/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin

So no matter your choice, Obama or McCain, I highly encourage you to vote. As my dad always told us if you don't vote you can't complain, because you did nothing to make a difference.

Happy Voting!!!!

Friends are way better then Chocolate!

Those of you who know me know that I am not a huge sweets fan. If I have to choose a treat it is a veggie tray and on that tray must be pickles.

Today was, lets just say less than enjoyable so I chose to take the afternoon off from work. It was nice to just do nothing except what I wanted and needed to do. Then out of the blue some, not so sneaky, people knocked on my door and ran. I looked out the little eye window and could see a shadow down the hall. So, I waited, and waited and waited to see if the shadow on the wall would move, it did, and they headed back to my door. I can't let a good scare pass so I opened the door quickly and scared the shadow which turned out to be my friend Michelle. There in front of my door sat five jars of my favorite brand of pickles and a vase of red Mum's. Becky and Michelle knew I just needed to know that someone was there. How grateful am for good friends who know how to say " We're here if you need us" without being pushy. It is much appreciated. So I just had to share with them how glad I am to have good friends and to let them know they are better then chocolate and pickles, and that is saying a lot.

K + K + K + K + K = 5K

So I did it!!! I am on my way to a half marathon. I will admit it is good that I still have 8 months to be ready, but I know I will be.
Bright and early Saturday morning me and two of my friends, Becky and Natalie, headed out on our first of many races. So this mornings race we decided to walk it which I was thankful for, since I fell down a flight of stairs last summer my ankle acts up on occasion and thanks to the invention of high heels it acted up this week. Battle wounds right?!
We started the race with a crowd of walkers and runners to support Intermountain Healthcare's Cardiovascular/Pulmonary departments. After the first lap the crowd began to stretch out over the course, but thankfully when we finished we were not the last.
Our goal and hopes were to finish in 1 1/2 hours, but because of our "go to" attitude and perseverance we finished in 1 hour 4 minutes ...YEA!!!!!

Garden of Eden...well not quite!!!

Mom always knows best. My goal this summer was to have a small garden on my deck. With this goal in mind it was Mom to the rescue. She came to spend a week with my Uncle Steven and Aunt Linda. On her way back she picked up some seed packets, planters and soil. After giving me some much needed guidance I was on my way. I started the seeds inside the house in little starter dirt things (yes "things" is the technical name) on my kitchen table. Once the little plants had started I transplanted them in the planters on my deck. The other night while talking to my mom I looked out to my deck and to my surprise there they were. My little tomatoes, just five little tomatoes trying with all their might to survive my attempt at gardening.

Then if that were not enough over 12 cute little cucumbers have begun to grow. That will be at least 4 jars of pickles..... yum, yum!!!

This last little tea pot is my strawberry plants. There are no fruits yet but it is on it's way.
Just wanted to share my exciting news.

Say Uncle!!

I have this great car I bought from my cousin Rob. It is a Dodge Intrepid. It is a great car to get me around and better then that it came with a hysterical mechanic, my Uncle Kent.
I have had a few minor set backs with my car, the most recent being the brakes. Uncle Kent and I had just changed them (OK I would hand him tools and help when I could, but he does most of the work) a few months ago the back brakes had started to grind a little, well according to my neighbors they would grind badly. So Saturday morning I got up at 6:00 am to drive to Lehi to see my Uncle Kent.



First I have to add that each time I drive to Lehi I love to listen to the Footloose sound track. The exit I take to get to his house is right by Lehi Rolling Mills where part of the movie was filmed. Yes folks... a moment of silence for Kevin Bacon and his sweet 80's moves.
So back to the car, not only does he do a great job with my car but it is kicks and giggles the whole time. As I have stated in previous blogs he is so funny I can hardly stand it. Things like " I move to Florida to work in a juice factory, but I was canned because I couldn't concentrate." or "I wanted to be a butcher but I couldn't cut it" or " I tried to be a lumber jack but I was axed."
He cracks me up and his laugh is priceless.
Thanks Uncle Kent for the safe car and laughs and yes, as I can tell, the only loose nut is the one behind the wheel.
I do have to mention that no trip is complete without a look at Aunt Hannah's amazing garden. This women can grow a garden. It is amazing. So here are a few pictures.

Pioneer children sang as they walked,and walked, and walked and walked., and walked, and walked, and walked...

In Utah Pioneer Day (July 24th) is a huge holiday. Big enough that we get the day off of work. YEA!!! So bright and early Michelle and I packed our camping chairs and cooler with water and breakfast and off the the parade we went.

It was actually a great spot. We were at the beginning under a nice tree. The people next to us had been there at least 18 hours before us. It was nice to know that we could sleep in our own apartments and still have a great spot.

Later that day my friend from Alaska was on her way home and we spend the afternoon hanging out which was a miracle. Let me explain. Every year for the last 3 years we seem to have a knack to schedule our trips at the same time. When I am in Alaska she is in Utah, this year was the exception.



She picked me up and we headed to Provo to her favorite restaurant. Which was quite nice except that for the fact salsa and white shirts don't match. So as we got in the car I notice that I had spilled something all over my knee. It looked like ink or powder...to make a long story short there must have been a nick in my razor. Well Marjory more then loved it. She got a good laugh, as did I. I am a mess.



Then off to her stomping grounds at the campus of BYU. My first time there, she gave me a tour and I do have to say it is a beautiful campus.



We then headed home and she was on her way. Nothing in this world is better then friendship.

Here's your sign

My sister Angela came for the weekend last week. One of the many things we like to do is drive around and look at homes. Usually we drive around in the areas were there are homes we can't imagine having and are just beautiful. While driving around we came across this stop sign. We laughed so hard that I just had to take a picture.

So if there is anyone who may feel like all hope is lost my suggestion to you is

"Don't Stop Believing!"

Maintenance Free is an Oxymoron!

I have a friend, Michelle, who's battery went dead on her. I went over to help her jump start her car. First we poured baking soda and water on it to clean the terminals and used a wire brush to scrub off the rest of the yucky stuff. (I know I am all about the technical terms) which, might I add, worked really well. So we decided to go for a drive to charge the battery, proud of our selves that we are self sufficient. After the hour long drive we came back and turn off the car to our dismay it would not restart. Now, remind you that the battery said "Maintenance free". So the next morning before work I went to see if it would start. Without luck it did not so Michelle and I went to work.(We both work at the same clinic)

The plan was to go after work to pick up the battery, take it to checkers to have it checked and go from there depending on the results. One added bonus to our plan was Becky and Matthew.

They came with us which was good cause it is always good to have a man around, even if he is 3 months old.

Michelle and I disconnected the battery, put it in the trunk and off to Checker auto where we found the battery was still good!? So what was the problem. Well I had a battery problem a few months ago and my, come to the rescue, brother in law added water. It worked miracles. I mentioned it a few times to Michelle but between the maintenance free and the oil change she just had her understanding was that it was already taken care of. Well because I am obnoxious( You have to read that last part in the voice of the fish from Finding Nemo then you'll understand how I am) I opened up her battery and added water. We scrubbed, scraped, cleaned and practically polished it to death for it to work. We tightened all the nuts and bolts that we could, (I mean were good but not therapist good) Michelle jumped in her car and Voila the car started and has worked ever since.

I would have to say we are quite talented and can take care of things when needed. However we both agree we would still like to have someone around to do that for us. :-)

GO TEAM!!!!!

Congratulations on your 40th Wedding Anniversary, Mom and Dad!!!

Here is a list of 40 reasons why I love you both so very, very, very,.......much!!!

1. That you had me.

2. That you both still love each other.

3. You go on dates weekly, even if it's to Costco.

4. Dad owes me over 1,000 milkshakes but keeps on betting.

5. Mom plays the Devils advocate and taught me how. I learned to have more patients and compassion for others.

6. They made the Gospel important.

7. Dad let us help fix the cars.

8. Mom taught us how to can.

9. Mom taught me how to make sure if eggs were good.

10. Dad taught me how to change my own oil.

11. Dad helped me clean up the oil when I forgot to take off the rubber ring to the filter and sprayed oil all over the garage.

12. Mom still loved Dad after she saw the big hole in the wall from Dad and David wrestling.

13. Dad taught me how to pitch softball.

14. Mom taught me how to sew.

15. Dad would play catch with me.

16. Mom taught me how to make divinity.

17. Even though I joked about it, I loved when they chased each other around the house and called each other "Fluffy" in front of all my friends.

18. I love that my friends love you almost as much as I do. Mom and Dad Jackson to hundreds.

19. I loved that you came to my volleyball games and choir concerts even though you had to take time off of work.

20. I loved that you tell us stories about your childhood.

21. I love that we all learned to laugh and love to be together as a family.

22. I love that when you come to Utah and Idaho to visit you spoil us.

23. I love that Dad takes me fishing even if I don't catch anything.

24. I love that Mom you taught me to love and serve those around us and have compassion for those who are sick.

25. I love that you two can't stay on your feet and fall at airports, but laugh about it in the end.

26. I love that you helped us know your parents through visits and stories.

27. I love that you always put us first.

28. I loved that if we where dropped anywhere in the world that we could be up and running in a few weeks.

29. We are not afraid of hard work because you taught us how.

30. I love that Mom taught me to garden.

31. I love that Dad taught me how to mow the lawn.

32. I love that Dad snores.

33. I love that Mom does too.

34. I love that daily you two talk at least 3-4 times a day and that when your apart for work that you talk a bazillion times a day.

35. I love that you blame stuff on each other. It's funny.

36. I love that you tell us all that we are your favorite, and then when confronted about it, Angie is the favorite oldest, David is the favorite son and I am the favorite youngest.

37. I love that we had "Bird Seed" on all of our family trips. (Captain Crunch, raisins, peanuts and M&M's)

38. I loved that Dad made us Ham and cheese sandwiches between waffles because we were out of bread.

39. I loved that even though mom couldn't be with us when we were sick, there was always a mysterious hand that would come through the door with a wet wash cloth, hair scrunchies, class of water and our toothbrush.

The most important reason that I love you too is:

40. I love that, because of your choices, you made us and eternal family.

33 going on 13!!

Yes, it is true I have hit the ripe old age of 33! I drove to Idaho for the second weekend in a row to spend it with my family. I arrived late Friday night after suffering through Utah traffic road work. Oh the joy of continual construction!!!
Saturday Seth and I decided to prepare for the upcoming pyromaniac convention or what the rest of America calls Independence Day. We headed off to town where we bought a good amount of fireworks to enjoy that evening.

Then we met up with the family and off to a movie in Pocatello where all of my siblings and their families decided to see WALL-E , which I really liked, well at least the parts I saw. I am notorious for falling asleep during movies. So thanks to my big brother who kept waking me up I caught the gist of the movie and really enjoyed it.
We then returned back to Blackfoot were patiently...not so much but we tried, Seth and I waited for evening to come so we could light our fireworks. Of those nights events we enjoyed the "Frog in a Blender" firework the best, reds and greens all over.
Sunday was the family birthday party since I would not be there for the actual day and everyone was there. You can't beat a homemade dinner from your mom and birthday cake.
Just having my family together was the best present I could of asked for but was not disappointed with the laptop upgrades (thanks Mom and Dad) and the perfume and fun bath stuff (thanks Reece's) and the comedic antics of my brother (thanks Jackson's). It was a great day.

Sisters!!!

My mother is one of 6 kids. 5 girls and 1 boy. Between the 6 kids there are 4 single daughters of which I am one. So it was decided while my mom was in town we, the single girls and our mothers would get together for a girls weekend.
Day one: Mom and I were in Menan!
Day two: After arriving home from Idaho we finally went to bed and up at 7:30 am to get ready and meet the family at the Conference Center for the Spoken word. Now let me tell you about us. We can't do anything together without a little confusion and a lot of laughing. Once you get all the "Sisters" together, and yes Aunt Hannah you are stuck with the title, it is all kicks and giggles. They get together and you think that they are teenagers.
After the spoken word we attended a local ward for Sacrament meeting and then back to the Conference Center for a tour.
Now one thing I always thought was normal, which I am finding out it is not, is that we all love cemeteries. I am not sure why???!!! So, no we don't picnic in a park, we have a picnic right there in the cemetery and loved every minute of it. We talked and looked around at the different headstones and enjoyed each other's company. While the young'ins laughed and giggled and the "Old Ladies" ( they called themselves that it was not us) fretted over each other and made sure everyone was taken care of and laughed all the way through. We then went to find the graves of our great grandparents, then to Lehi for dinner at the Braithwaites.
At this particular gathering we allowed my dad, Kent, and my Uncle Kent to attend. Which just adds to the humor. Stories of Uncle Kent shooting at his sisters with a .22, the endless trips to A&W with Grandpa Braithwaite and all the other stories we could think of to tell about our parents came out.
Families are such a blessing and how grateful I am that mine is eternal. Chances are though where ever we end up in heaven, it will probably be sound proof and padded because we are a crazy bunch.

Family and Fun!!!

Well it is that time of year where my family gets together. Whether here or in Alaska who knows, but this year it is in Utah. My parents, bless their hearts, flew in at 4am on June 21st. Once I picked them up and took them home we finally got to sleep at 5am. Up at 8:30 to get ready for our Raymond Family reunion in Menan, Idaho.
Due to Utah traffic we did not make it to Menan until 4:00pm just in time for the ending of the reunion. We had made a stop in Blackfoot to pick up my sister and David, my brother, and his family were going to meet us there. To make a long story short we all crossed paths. However dad did make it and was able to see all of his cousins, two sisters and a niece. We had a great time.

Living in Menan was so much fun as a child. We loved to play and had so much room to do so. Each time I go back it feels like home. The church building, Co-op and the large lilac bush on the church grounds. AHHHHHH the good old days.

Next we finally met up with my brother at a family favorite called Big Juds. They have Hamburgers the size of dinner plates. It is unbelievable. So big it takes four people to share one. However I did have a roommate who ate one all on her own. That was a treat.
The back to Blackfoot to drop off Angela and then to Salt Lake City. We arrived home at 1am and quite ready for bed. Just wait the fun is about to continue!!!!!

Summertime is here again!!!!

To blog or not to blog...well that is a dumb question, of course you should blog.

Summer has hit here in Utah...at least here is Salt Lake City. Our temperature has risen and so has my electric bill from the air conditioner.

I joke that I hate the heat but in all actuality I love the sunshine. I love sitting on my deck in the evening watching the sunset over the city and enjoying all of God's creation. Except the mosquitoes, they are just proof He has a sense of humor.

I have to say I love my deck it is so cute full of flowers, strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, an assortment of herbs (Yes, all legal) and don't forget the grill, it is summer after all. This picture was taken a few weeks ago from my deck.

Summertime for me is a time for adventures. It is a time to explore the great state I live in, at that given time. It always reminds me of bonfires with friends, hiking, camping and of course most importantly fishing. This is the first year in ten years that I will not be able to go fishing with my Dad in Alaska. Sad that this might be there is still fishing in Idaho.

I also have to admit that this is still a good benefit for me, this way I will have a sister and nephew who will put the worm on the hook and hold the fish after it's caught. (Not quite that brave yet but maybe this year will be the year.) Baby steps folks, baby steps.

I do enjoy fishing, not that I catch a lot but I would have to say the best part is spending time with my family. whether it is with my dad or my whole family. It is the time spent in the beautiful outdoors and the peace that comes with it. So as this summer approaches be prepared to enjoy what adventure may come. Happy travels!!!

Duck Tales!!!!

Growing up on a farm you do become somewhat of an animal lover. We had horses, cows, chickens, picks, dogs, cats and the worlds most evil rooster ever. I truly think he was the spawn of you know who ( not Voldemort but close). 3 weeks ago I spent the weekend with Kate, Seth and Shelby, 3 of my nieces and nephews. That Saturday the plan was to each chose one thing they wanted to do that weekend. This is story applies to Seth's choice which, as usual, he wanted to go to Peaches pet and feed store. So off to Peaches we went to get a few Koi fish for his outside pond that he had put together. Routine as normal, Seth headed for all the creepy crawling stuff, Kate headed for the bird area and Shelby and I went to check out the puppies. While on the way back from the puppy area it happened, it was like a light from heaven and angels sang, I found the huge tub full of ducks. They were so sweet that I just couldn't resist. So first I picked the name, Hampton, that is what my ducks name needed to be, now the trick was to pick which duck. They were all so cute how would I choose. Unfortunately there was no way to house 30 baby ducks in a two bedroom apartment so who do I pick? I searched the batch of ducks and there he was (or she you can't really tell with ducks until eggs are laid, so for now it's a he) my duck Hampton. He was so sweet and I knew then we were kindred spirits. Hampton came home to Salt Lake with me for a week. Any longer would be messy and downtown is no place for a country duck. He was fun, swimming in my sink (I later bought him a little duck pool) he followed me everywhere I went. Hampton became my best friend that week, however, big city life was not for him so off to Idaho he went to live on the Reece farm with their other ducks Ann, Sirius and Spike. I later told my landlord that I housed a duck for a week. I think his new fear is that I will become the pet rescuer, in a no pets allowed apartment, however my fish "G" is safe and has received clearance from management.