Finding the "Happy" in Today and More!

What Are You Giving This Christmas?

2011-12-22T13:04:00.002-06:00

I want to share this great blog from Laurel Christensen. First, I adore her! Secondly, she is doing with her life some of the "things" I want to be doing with mine. This blog really hit home with me. It is meaningful and I want to record it here on my blog.--hope she doesn't mind that I copied and pasted it?!
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WHAT ARE YOU GIVING THIS CHRISTMAS?
Laurel Christensen
December 22, 2011
You know that much loved Christmas tradition where people decide what gift they are going to give the Savior for Christmas? Often, it’s written on a piece of paper and tucked away for review the following year.

I’ve always thought that was a nice tradition—but I’ve never taken the time to do it.

I spent last weekend in St. George, UT. I was there to speak at a fireside for a great group of young women and decided to make a little weekend retreat of it.

I met with an amazing trainer down there (the one that taught me not to be “the one thing standing in my way”) for two 2-hour sessions. It was a good reminder I can do things that I couldn’t have done when this journey began. After the second session, I made my way to the
beautiful Snow Canyon of Southern Utah. I had a race to compete in. But, this wasn’t a race with anyone else at the start line, or the finish line. This wasn’t a race with a race t-shirt or a cheering crowd. This was just about me running—just for the sake of running. Just because I wanted to. Just because I could.

And something really interesting happened while I was running. I caught a little glimpse of my future life.

Now, this wasn’t some grand revelation or vision. It didn’t last for more than a minute or two and I couldn’t tell you many details. But, I could see—and feel—who I am becoming. And I sensed that God was pleased with my direction. I was overwhelmed with a feeling of peace. And gratitude.

And for some reason, that got me thinking about the aforementioned Christmas tradition—giving a gift to the Savior. It felt like a tradition I needed to participate in this year.

And then, I realized that’s exactly what I had been doing…and what I must continue to do.
When I think of all the gifts we could give to the Savior this Christmas, it strikes me that perhaps the gift He really wants most is for us to become who we are meant to become—and who we can ONLY become—through Him.

I once heard it said:
What we are is God's gift to us.
What we become is our gift to God.

So, if you’re looking to offer a gift to Him this Christmas, give Him the gift of YOU…willing, believing, determined to become who you were meant to be…YOU.

Perhaps that’s really all He’s ever wanted…and the only gift we can really ever give Him.

Great Quote from Steve Jobs, CEO and Founder of Apple

2011-10-06T09:46:00.001-05:00

“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

I want this in my blog as I look back on things that were important to me. Such a great quote.

Countdown Timer Builder

2011-07-18T16:13:00.000-05:00

Countdown Timer Builder

All Time Favorite Children's Book

2011-07-09T10:01:00.009-05:00

My all time favorite -children's book! Prince Jan: St Bernard by Forrestine Cooper Hooker . Published in 1921 by Doubleday and Company.

Somewhere in this journal of my life, I want those who are trying to get to know me, to know that I grew to love reading! I didn't always love to read. I found in my childhood that I had better things to do! I was too busy swimming, playing with my brother and just finding others things to keep me away from being at home. Little did I know then that reading could have been a way for me to escape and yet I chose to do "other" things. Today, I can say that I love to read! I enjoy sitting and reading for long periods of time! I often read so long that I tend to neglect children, a husband, and the chores of home that beg me to be recognized!

BUT this I do know!

I still remember the summer between my fifth and sixth grade years in school! I had signed up to attend summer school. Why? Summer school back then was for catching up on work missed during the regular school year. I certainly didn't need that. But for whatever reason, I signed up for summer school. The whole summer school schedule was themed around the idea of "Christmas in Summer." Now for a San Diego girl that sounded wonderful!

All of our classes, themes and projects had to do with Christmas! It was glorious!

What I remember most about the summer was an older woman with big white curly hair and a body that was a little on the plump side who would come to our classroom every afternoon right after lunch and read aloud to us! She had the most wonderful voice and the story she read us was so exciting!

From the very first page of the book I knew I didn't or wouldn't want to miss a single word! The book was "Prince Jan: St Bernard" by Forrestine Cooper Hooker. It was a wonderful journey for me. I still hold those days of laying on the rug in that sixth grade classroom tight in my memory. I would lay quietly on the rug at this teacher's feet as she read aloud the words from a chapter or maybe even two if we would beg her. The story is told from the perspective of a St. Bernard dog. As I recall the story takes place in the mountains of Switzerland where these wonderful dogs were trained to be rescue dogs in the Alps. Prince Jan in the end is adopted by a family in California and becomes a family pet.

The story for me was amazing! I loved to be read out loud to. My mom, one of her best qualities, would read to my little brother, Joe and me every night! We would read book after book. Since my mom worked nights, she would have us come and lay on her bed before she would go off to work for the night. I would be on her right arm and Joe on her left. Now let me just say that my mom wasn't a great reader but she read to us! I would never make it past about the first one or two pages of any book. I think my brother would lay awake until my mother' s voice was worn out? I don't remember.

This is a memory that I tried to create for my own children. I did fairly well reading aloud to Colin and Christopher. Colin learned to read from the scriptures. He would read to me every night and I would lay and read to him from his beloved "Thomas the Train" books. Laura and Cameron have not been so lucky! I'm trying to change that if it's not too late.

For my birthday a few years ago Daren surprised me by finding a copy of this magical book and giving it to me. I cried! No, I bawled! What a treasured gift!!! l loved it! I will always treasure the feelings that are associated with this wonderful book!

Reading is such an amazing talent and ability. To think that there are people in the world who don't read. I just can't wrap my mind around that one!

Give me a good book anytime and I am gone! Just ask Daren who knows better than to try and engage me in a conversation or ask what I might be fixing for dinner when I have my nose in a good book!

I couldn't find much on the Internet about this Prince Jan book. It's been out of print for years. I did want to include a small excerpt from the book:

"So Jan always felt happy after that day, for when he missed one of the dogs now, he knew it had found a home and some one to love it. And on those days the poundmaster went around with shining eyes while his lips puckered up in a cheerful whistle, or Jan heard him singing: "Old dog Tray is ever faithful, Grief cannot drive him away; He's gentle and he's kind And you'll never, never find Many times when friends called to talk and smoke with the Captain, Jan would go for a short walk along the beach....‎"

So, what is your favorite Children's book? I had others besides this one. I learned to read the pages of "Harold and the Purple Crayon" quite young. And I remember those cute with green books about mice and rabbits and moles. I think it was Beatrice Potter. Oh thank heavens for good books!

Cheering for Others and Asking for Help!

2011-06-24T15:06:00.001-05:00

Have you ever just had one of those moments where you know that you are learning something you have said a million times before but for some reason this time the words sink into your soul. I mean really sink into the part of your soul and spirit where you really get it? I had one of those moments this week. I’d like to share.

For a few years now I have been following a friend’s blog. She has been changing both physically and mentally for about the last six or so months. I mean I have seen some really big changes. I wake up in the morning and check her blog first thing because I know what she is writing will be something that I need to hear. I usually end up crying by the time I am done reading her blog. But those tears are the good kind of tears. The ones that are filled with joy and a little envy!

A few weeks ago this friend ran her first ever half marathon. It’s a dream of mine. A REAL DREAM! It’s on my bucket list. Almost every day for the last six months this friend has shared with us , her loyal blog readers about her journey. I have been moved. Moved enough to take some steps. Baby steps, but steps at least.

Running this half marathon did not come easy for my friend. She had injuries and sometimes life just got in the way. LIfe got hard! But as the week right before the race came, this woman gave her last bits of training all she could. She even blogged this week about many parts of the race and what they meet to her. By the end of the race it had become very difficult to run. She had developed a cramp in leg and it was very painful. But here is the part I want to share on my blog. The part where she talks about the end of the race.

“By the time I got to the last 100+ yards, I was completely overcome with emotion. And then, every now and then I'd hear my name. MY NAME.”

“Turns out some of you who I've never met were there (seriously, how cool are you?). And other people who I knew and stood along University Avenue right at the end to cheer me on and see me finish.”

“Something really interesting happens at the end of a race. You are spent and you want to quit. You might even consider stopping. Or walking the last little bit.”

“But, then you hear the cheers. And you cry. And that brings on more cheers.And then there is no way you are not going to finish...and finish strong. It's a pretty amazing feeling.”“I've thought a lot about that.”

"What would happen if every time you were faced with something difficult," I asked, "you could hear the cheers of everyone pulling for you?""What would happen if every time you stood in the face of temptation, all of heaven cheered you through it?""There is NO WAY you wouldn't get yourself to that finish line. There is no way."“It was a message I've never been able to share before in quite that way. Because I had truly never experienced it before in quite that way. It was one of the sweetest moments ever.”

*And here’s the part that just hit me:
“We need to be more encouraging of each other. We need to feel less awkward about acknowledging when something is hard. I wish we would allow ourselves to be more vulnerable so we are more willing to ask for support. And we certainly need to cheer louder and harder than any of the other influences in the lives of those we love.”“There is power in the cheers. And that power pushes us to do things we very well maybe wouldn't do otherwise.”“So...find someone this week to cheer on, will you?”

I really wonder how it would be if we were better cheerleaders for each other. I mean that we really wanted each other to succeed. I believe that we could accomplish greater things in our lives. I believe we would be better friends, daughters, sisters, mothers, wives and companions. I also think often of how it would be if we would ask each other more for help. If we would just acknowledge the fact that sometimes we just can’t do it all. WOW! What a thought! I know I’m trying to ask for help a little more and also be a better cheerleader to those around me!

GO! FIGHT! WIN! You can do it!

Let the Summer Begin!

2011-06-06T11:25:00.002-05:00

So everyone is back from all places in the world! Daren and Christopher took off on May 12 for the adventure of a life time. They traveled with a group to England, France, Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg. Christopher was in heaven! He was able to travel and see places most people only dream of! He even used a bit of his high school French!--go to Christopher's face book page if you want to see some of his 1500 pictures he took! AMAZING!

Mean while, back at the ranch, I took Laura and Cameron on their first plane ride. We were packed and ready to go the second school was over. We drove to Colorado Springs and stayed the night with my younger brother, Joseph and Jeri. We then boarded a plane for Long Beach, California! Laura and Cameron loved their plane ride! Once in California we were meet by my mother and we spent time in San Diego, Los Angeles and the Mojave Desert. You see my brother has his home in Rosamond. It's really in the middle of nowhere!--and I thought Kearney, Nebraska was the middle of no-where?!

The four of us had a great time eating at In and Out Burger, Jack in the Box , and other fun places. We visited my father's grave and put flowers there! It would have been his 79th birthday this year. We visited La Jolla Shores and the sea lions. We went to Legoland.--a dream of Cameron's. We shopped at Costco and all fun stores from the West coast. We went to Disneyland and played in the swimming pool. We visited old friends at the Grossmont Ward at Church. We ate dinner at Knott's Berry Farm. We did a lot of driving in the car and found traffic to not be one of our favorites. We went to Griffith Observatory and saw the great Hollywood sign. We really enjoyed the weather and all things Southern California. It was a great trip and I was so glad to share some of my favorite places with Cameron and Laura.

My mother was in rare form this trip! We really learned patience and to bit our tongues on this trip! Mom thinks she is the policeman of the world. There were times when she would run her shopping cart into someone because she didn't like how they were acting or the times she would tell people right in front of me that my children were not good kids or that I was a bad mother. We took it all in stride. Mother would spend hours complaining about her circumstances but not having any solution for it! She hasn't changed. I keep thinking she will! She just won't. But that entry in my blog can be for another day!

We, the Snider family, are excited to be back and to be getting into the summer routine. We are swimming, reading, doing math problems, writing in our journals, taking pictures, traveling, hanging, eating free lunch, learning how to play tennis, working on daily chores , scripture reading and playing with our friends. I am only teaching Tuesdays and Thursdays this summer. It' s a great thing! We need a summer like this!

Colin(aka Elder Snider) is doing great in Tecate, Mexico. We counted it the other day and he has been gone a little over 200 days! Time has gone by really fast! We are so proud of him. The Mother's day Skye/phone call with him was perfect! Colin talks like a Mexican. That is a good thing!

So, until Wednesday!

Consider The Lilies - Mormon Tabernacle Choir

2011-05-16T09:10:00.000-05:00

You Just Never Know! Consider the Lilies of the Field

2011-05-16T09:01:00.002-05:00

I was hoping to have the music video and these thoughts in the same post, but blogger is just not cooperating so well this morning! We will take what we can get at this point.

"Consider the Lilies" as performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir has always been one of my favorite songs. I love the words to this hymn/song! They bring comfort and meaning to my life.

This morning as I was logging on to facebook, a friend had posted the following note about an experience she had had with the passing of her sister-in-law. I wanted to record these words somewhere in my "journal," so that I might reflect on them and think about the impact of my actions on others. I especially was touched by the "Christ-like" behavior of my friend toward her sister-in-law and family! What a wonderful example. Again, this post just reminds me that "you never know."
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Consider the Lilies of the Field....
by Janet George Bell on Monday, May 16, 2011 at 7:21am

My sister in law Cynthia died last week. She had suffered for decades with paranoid schizophrenia. Because of her illness, it was really hard sometimes to be around her because she would do and say things that were totally off the wall. She had six children who suffered along with her much of the time. Her brothers and sisters had at times tried to reach out and help her, but as with many mental illnesses it was hard going.

Finally, after my father in law passed away in 1999, she became estranged from her siblings as one of her delusions was that her brothers and sisters had plan and carried out his death. (I think she just couldn't bear to part with her father who had been her champion so much of her life through thick and thin). She had a difficult and often combative relationship with her mother.

So we lost touch with her. I would hear about her from my niece Rebecca (her daughter) at times. Rebecca was always somewhat conflicted in her feelings about her mother. She loved her but she didn't have the resources to take care of her. So it was with sadness and trepidation that we (Randy and I and Rebecca and her husband) traveled up to Utah to say goodbye to Cynthia. (I had to tell Rebecca that her mother was dead, and let me tell you that was NOT EASY! Wow, I hope I don't have to do that too often).

The day of the viewing (we only had a small family viewing for Cynthia) Rebecca and her husband went in to her mother's apartment to start the process of sorting through her mother's things to see what to keep and what not to keep. In that process they found some surprising things.

You have to understand that Cynthia, in the midst of her illness, had picked up smoking, drinking, carousing, but none of these things made her happy. She had at times sold all of her possessions and lived on twinkies. Two of her children (her youngest) were removed from her custody when they were little and she always wanted to go and find them and get them back, but in her mind they stayed small children. She had been committed at one time for attacking her sister. She had even very recently been arrested for stealing a chicken from the grocery store that she insisted had been paid for, and I suppose that in her mind it had been.

Well, as they went through her things, they found something startling, especially to those of us of the LDS faith. They found a temple recommend, dated from 2009. They found scriptures and books on spirituality. They noticed that her fridge was full and that her apartment wasn't as "crazy" as it had been at times, and that she actually had framed pictures on the wall. Next to her bed was a framed photograph of her grandchild (she had a lot of grandkids).

They called a number they found there and learned that Cyndi had been a visiting teacher, that she was much loved in her ward and that yes, she had gone to the temple. She had been in the best mental state that her illness would allow in the last few years of her life because she had moved into a ward (like a parish for those who don't get LDS jargon) that had taken her in and loved her. It took our breath away.

I have many friends and family that do not really believe in God. Some of them might feel as if God isn't interested in them or their lives. But in this example of how God dealt with this, seemingly one of the least of these his daughter, I have once again come to find that if there is any chance at all, He will lift, He will save, and all things are possible to Him.

"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."(Matthew 6:28-29)
"But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is." (1 Nephi 9:6)
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While talking to a friend last night about someone we both encounter on a regular basis who suffers from mental illness, it occurred to me that having a mental illness is really much different than having cancer or diabetes or some other physical illness. Illness is illness, and while we are somewhat more inclined to be compassionate to the person who is "sick" with a physical ailment, mental illness too has to be treated with that same kind of kindness and compassion.

I think of a 90 year old friend of ours who fields a phone call everyday from a woman who suffers from mental illness. Our friend has taken these phone calls everyday for over 50 years. He believes that if his five minute phone call can help his friend, then so be it. What is five minutes really to someone who is suffering? What a great example!

I guess I share these two examples this morning, as I strive to be more Christlike in my actions and my everyday dealings with those around me. What do my words and my actions say about who I am? Am I really a true follower of Christ? Some days...NOT!

What I am I Learning from This?

2011-04-30T15:58:00.002-05:00

What I am I Learning from This?

So today, the day before a big event I have at church, and on a beautiful spring day here on the prairie or in the cornfields, if you well, I am sitting in the house without a voice, pouting! Why you ask? Well, a few hours ago Daren left with Christopher for a trip into Omaha to see “Les Miserable.” It was suppose to be me going with Daren. Not someone else!

So instead of correcting or grading writing papers like I should be doing, I am sitting reading a bit of John Bytheway and Wendy Watson Nelson. Sitting in my recliner contemplating about my life and what I could be doing differently. These are my thoughts:

I have been thinking about my upcoming birthday! I guess I have my list of “things” I want to accomplish and as I watch my friends and family check some of those “things” off their bucket lists, I wonder why I am not making the progress I should. I get the old attitude of “Boy, Ann, you sure are lazy!” I know that in reality I am far from it. But with that said, that’s how I feel. They say at 50 one suddenly feels contentment and not competition! I am sure hope so!

Wendy Watson Nelson, the wife of an LDS apostle and marriage and family counselor conducted a study. A study that I found very interesting, and I for one I am going to try. Really I am! She asked women to do the following:

"For five days in their morning payers, they were to pray with concerted effort for the Holy Ghost to be with them that day. Then, throughout the day, as they encountered any difficult, tempting or trying situation, they were to pray for and really picture the Spirit being right there with them.”

The outcome was this for these women when they used the above mentioned advice was the following :

o An increased desire to reach out to others and to follow through on commitments
o An increased ability to be kinder, gentler, and more patient
o An increased desire to de-junk their physical environments
o A greatly reduced desire to watch TV
o An increased desire to take care of their bodies by living the Lord’s law of health more fully
o An increased ability to see how they could have handles situations better
o An increased mental focus
o An increased ability and desire to really study and learn
o Old habits of backbiting, gossiping and cynicalness falling away
o A dramatic increase in their physical energy, because energy-draining negative emotions were gone
o An unbelievable reduction in stress
o Profound changes in their conversations with others

Just for five days worth of work! How grateful I am for a new start each and every morning! I’m dying to give this a try! Can I please hit the hay right now?

2011: What Do I Want?

2011-01-17T09:06:00.002-06:00

I follow many, many blogs. I like to read them! I like good writing. I like people. I like to know how my friends are doing. It helps me to feel like my life is just not so different from everyone else's. I like what I learn from others. I see that the world has amazing people in it when I read other blogs. I realize too that I am just a small part of that "world." I like that my "world" is big. It really is. That makes me happy.

This morning after getting the kids off to school and then "faithfully" checking to make sure my homework was finished for my classes, I started checking my favorite blogs. I was excited so see what the week-end had brought. I know my own week-end was filled with memories, laughter, reflection, good conversation, great food and more! I hoped to find that as well for my friends.

One blog that I love to read belongs to a "friend" that is going through some major changes in her life. She was able to go to the "Biggest Loser" Ranch in Southern Utah and have some "life-changing" experiences. I love her journey. I want to make that journey soon as well.

This morning I thought I would share what I found on my friend's blog. I am excited to make a "want list." Do you have one? Will you have one for 2011? I am going to get on this right away. I will have to post it tomorrow. I also want to update everyone on my "100 things in 1001 days"list as well. I think you will be surprised. I know I was.
________________________________From L.C.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
My Want List
My young friend and I chatted for a bit today.She's feeling the pull of the life she was living just two weeks ago. And we talked about the choice she has right now. I didn't know quite what to say and then I heard myself say this:"The easy thing to do would be to go back to what you were doing, right? I mean, that's easy. That's why so many do it. You're choosing to do the hard thing.

So OF COURSE it's difficult.But, it won't always be hard.You can either do the easy thing now and have a harder life later or you can do the hard thing now and have an easier life later.What do you want?"I knew I was talking to her.But, honestly, I was talking to myself too.Turns out this "change your life" thing is proving to be harder than either one of us wanted it to be. Don't misunderstand...She's still being clean.I'm still working out.But, it's hard.

This is a long unfamiliar road.And there are moments when it just seems too big.I realized today that during those moments, when all is said and done, it comes down to what you really really want.I think my friend is too young right now to know for sure what she really wants.(and so I'm just praying with all my heart she can do this.)But, I'm not too young.And I know what I want.

There are just a few things, really.In fact, I've made a list of 9 (sure, I could have made a list of "10" but it turns out I only want "9"...)Suffice it to say that these are the desires of my heart.These are the things I finally know I can do.These are the "[sighings] which cannot be uttered" (Rom. 8:26).

It's my want list.And I finally wrote it down.I'm going to read it every night this week...I'm going to read it when my alarm goes off at 5:15 every morning...And, well, I'm going to get up.And I'm going to choose to do the hard thing now.Because that's what girls like me do.Because. I. Can.Because He, "that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think [or want], according to the power that worketh in us" (Eph 3:20), will help me.Anyone else have a "want list"?

Have you written it down?

My Core Story for 2010--And Maybe Longer!

2010-12-31T10:53:00.007-06:00

December 31 – Core Story. What central story is at the core of you, and how do you share it with the world? (Bonus: Consider your reflections from this month. Look through them to discover a thread you may not have noticed until today.)

I want to start my last blog entry today first with something from someone else's blog that really summed up how I have been feeling. I will finish this blog with my own thoughts on the above question.

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http://www.susannahconway.com/2009/11/allowing-dreams/

From Susannah Conway's Blog:

Allowing dreams to manifest without getting in their way

Sometimes we don't believe we are worthy of receiving what we dream of; sometimes we don't believe it could ever happen. Sometimes we are so convinced of our apparent unworthiness we do everything we can to prevent the good stuff entering our lives. We don't do this consciously, of course. I'm slowly learning that all i need to do to help the good stuff manifest is to step out the way, to stop littering the path with my worries and insecurities, and all the endless head-chatter that scares the dream whisps away. In some ways it's easier to sabotage our dreams than help them become reality – that way, when they don't happen we can shrug our shoulders and say, 'see? I knew it. I'm not worth it.' But lately I've been trying this idea on for size: what if i AM worthy? What if it is okay for good things to come into my life?

There was a part of me that assumed life would be easier once i survived the grief – that I'd embrace a new life-is-short credo and let go of all my fears, gliding through life feeling the power of survival under my wings. But that didn't happen. Life still felt as difficult as ever, if not more so. But today I realised that I've reached a place where I've let go of some expectations – of what my life should be looking like by now, of what i am capable of doing, of who i could be. I'm starting to embrace what is, and that includes giving my dreams more space to breathe.

I always thought I'd be married with kids by now, that I'd be more successful by now, and more established blah blah blah. What I'm starting to grasp is that this is it – this is my life – so why not have some fun with it? View it as a malleable batch of bread dough and see what shapes i can create. Because no one else is going to do it for me, and, heck, maybe some good stuff will happen. This weekend I made a good start on my book proposal, and in doing so i drop-kicked the whiny but-who-do-i-think-i-am-to-write-a-book out of my third-floor window (if you stand on my street this evening you'll see it gasping its last breaths on the pavement before it fades away forever. Good riddance!)

My part of the deal is to work hard, be committed and have a little faith. And to make room in my life for the good stuff to flow. We are allowed to have our dreams, big and small and everything in between. Think of them like your children, to be protected and nurtured, believed in and encouraged – and when the time is right, you need only get out of their way so they can stretch their wings and fly. ______________________________________________________

My story: Blogging for twelve days straight this month was an amazing journey for me. It freed me up to be able to concentrate on the good things in my life and not dwell on somethings in my life like Colin leaving for two years! There is so much to be thankful for. I know that. I realized through blogging that I have a story to tell. Lot's of stories in fact! I have an opinion and am worthwhile! I can write and I do a pretty good job of it!

Gifts and Giving

2010-12-30T09:10:00.002-06:00

December 30 – Gift Prompt. Gift. This month, gifts and gift-giving can seem inescapable. What’s the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year?

I received several amazing gifts this year. One of these was the gift of time. I was able to have some of my "time" back. I didn't realize how much time I was putting into my classes I was teaching. Toward the second part of the year, I was able to make dinner each night for my family. I was able to keep up on the laundry and the cleaning and all of the "stuff" that needed to be done. It was a great feeling.

I received the gift of forgiveness this year as well. I was able to ask forgiveness from some and to forgive others. It is truly an amazing and freeing feeling to let go of the hurt and anger that I tend to like to keep.

Being able to travel was also a great gift this year. I love to be able to make my "little" trips to Utah to see my dear friend Dickie. Those trips are refreshing and help me come back to Nebraska and be the wife, mom and woman I know I should be. Being able to visit Colin at BYU and see how happy he is, was also included in the gift of travel. Far enough away but not so far.

I think having a family reunion with Daren's family was also a big gift for me. I really miss Daren's family and it was so wonderful to see them and to laugh, play, eat, talk, share and just generally enjoy a few days together. I hope to make seeing them more of a priority. What a wonderful gift!

Everyday I am reminded of what a wonderful gift I have been given as I teach adults how to speak English. Whether they are from China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Colombia or Mexico...and so many other countries....I love my job! I gain so much from them and their families! It is a blessing and a gift that I treasure so much!

I would never be the person I am without the gift I have of a knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for faith, repentance and the covenants I have made with my Heavenly Father. I consider the ability to pray, read the scriptures and attend church a real gift. I know places in the world where this is not allowed. I have friends from all different religious backgrounds. I am so grateful for them and what they add to my life. I am strengthened by them. So awesome!

Gifts! I love a great present! My life is full! Everyday is a gift! I am very aware of this!

Can There Really Only Be One Defining Moment?

2010-12-29T10:38:00.003-06:00

December 29 – Defining Moment. Describe a defining moment or series of events that has affected your life this year.

When I think of defining moments I have some real strong emotions from the year. There were many defining moments this year. Many "firsts" in the Snider house. Oldest son graduated from High School. Sent said "oldest" child off to BYU. Oldest son got his mission call to serve an LDS mission in Mexico-Tijuana Mission. Took oldest son to the Winter Quarters Temple in Omaha. Had my teaching load at UNK cut by 50 percent. Learned that I could do other things. De-junked a house. Had some moments where I wasn't at my "best." Learned that there are consequences to not always being "Christ-like". Applied and was accepted to a Masters degree program. 2010 was a year full of defining moments.

The one "moment" for me this year that sticks out in my mind as defining was when I found out I could only teach three classes at UNK for the semester. Daren and I just didn't know how we would be able to make it with the loss of income. We did indeed survive and feel like it was a real blessing. When you trust in Heavenly Father to answer prayers it is amazing what he does with your life. It was amazing for me to see how much I stand in the way of good things happening for me.

What Do I Want to Achieve in 2011?

2010-12-28T08:33:00.002-06:00

December 28 – Achieve. What’s the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you’ll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. Then, brainstorm 10 things you can do, or 10 new thoughts you can think, in order to experience that feeling today.

Wow! Today's prompt is a pretty amazing one! This question comes on the end of a day of parting with 500 VHS tapes, numerous CDs and DVDs, 500 Church books and so much more...craft stuff, fabric, memories, and paper....I am feeling free, but I am a bit sad for the loss. I know that the space I will enjoy in my home is going to be amazing. My family is so excited to have a "real" family room with a new HD TV and a fireplace and so much more. It will really be nice, but boy was it hard separating from all that stuff! I really am a keeper.

So today's questions is getting at the next big change for me. And I'm not taking about the fact that Colin is leaving in 28 days for his LDS mission for two years. That is right....two years. I am talking about the shape that I have let my body become. 2011 has to be the year that I change and make my physical body my top priority. It just has to. I am finished being angry at UNK for cutting my class load in half, I am almost finished getting rid of many, many things, and I think I have really let go of some "anger" that I have been holding on to. I now need to focus on me in 2011.

So the "thing" that I most want to achieve in 2011 is that of major weight loss. I don't necessarily want to put 100 pounds out there, but I do think it will be BIG! I imagine that when I do get myself in the shape I know I can be in, I will feel amazing. Amazing in the fact that this change will effect so many other areas of my life. Mentally I will so much more on top of my game. My family will benefit from my weight loss because I will be able to be "involved" much more as their mother. I won't be that side-line mother anymore. I will be able to run that half-marathon I have always imagined. I will be able to let go of so much more as well. Sure there will be hard times and sacrifice. I am ready to have my body hurt. I know that getting to the gym everyday will mean that I have to let some other things go, Eating healthy and making wise food choices will be hard, but these choices will free me up to spend my time and energy on so much more.

Here are ten things I can do today to experience some of the feelings that I want to experience at the end of 2011 when I have reached my "ideal" weight and body condition :

1. I can eat a healthy breakfast this morning. My family will thank me as well.

2. I can go on a short one mile walk around my neighborhood. I will feel so much better. Still no snow on the ground and I should really be taking advantage of this.

3. I can continue on my quest for an organized and clean house. This really will help in my goal for 2011. When I get rid of things my ability to focus on other areas of my life seems so much easier.

4. I can plan out my exercise time for the next semester. If I don't plan a time, it won't get done.

5. I can re-read the "Couch to Half-Marathon" book on my drive to Omaha today. It will inspire me.

6. I can get rid of some of the treats that I have around the house that seem to foil my daily quest to eat healthier.

7. I can call a friend and ask for help this year in my ability to achieve this goal or dream.

8. I can get rid of self-doubt talk when the going gets a little rough today.

9. I can keep blogging because this seems to help me to be able to organize my thoughts and goals. And I have "followers" who are out there to read this, leave comments and support me.

10. And now, I can just get up out of the chair and start doing what I just wrote about.

There you have it! It was a bit of a task, but I feel so much better. At the end of the day as I look back over this blog entry, I know I will feel grateful for the journey! So let's get started!

Ordinary Joy in Ordinary Moments

2010-12-27T09:14:00.002-06:00

December 27 – Ordinary Joy. Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year?

I think one of the ordinary moments that brings so much joy to me is seeing my children do their homework, practicing their piano and doing their daily chores. It makes it even better when I don't have to ask or nag. This doesn't happen very often but it does happen.

Another thought that came to me was something that happened yesterday at church. I was sitting behind an older couple who happen to have three out of their four grown children visiting with them for the holidays. One of their older children has four boys and a set of twin girls. The family has been staying at Grandma and Grandpa's for about 10 days now. You could just see that the children are out of sorts and very tired. At one point I watched this young mother balance a three-old twin girl on her knee along with a 6 year old little boy and an 8 year old little boy. All of these children wanting something from the mother and not wanting the other one to have their mom's attention. It was just an ordinary moment but tears filled my eyes as I wished that I could take this mom and put her in a church pew all by herself and allow her to worship quietly by herself. I wonder if she would enjoy it? I wonder if she was thinking the same thing as I was? I wonder if this is how it is every week for her? I wonder if she will miss this as her children grow older? It was just an ordinary moment. Nothing amazing, but I found myself with tears in my eyes as I watched this whole situation. It's just those little moments isn't it?

Food--Food for the Soul!

2010-12-26T14:55:00.002-06:00

December 26 – Soul Food. What did you eat this year that you will never forget? What went into your mouth & touched your soul?

Food is always such a great topic for blogging. Food is just plain good. Who doesn't have memories associated with food and memories that are both positive and not so positive. For example: Ruffles potato chips, ranch dip and a Dr. Pepper and Daren knows that "Aunt Flo" will soon be paying a visit to our house! WTMI! A trip to Salt Lake means a loaf of "Grandma Sycamore" bread and some See's candy!

This year I had some wonderful experiences with food. We had the opportunity to eat at a new Sushi restaurant. It was wonderful! I loved the steamed edamame with salt. I love the fried tofu soup or "Agedashi Dofu" . The different kinds of sushi were divine. I enjoyed the company. My friend Carrie taught me about something I hadn't really experienced too much of.

Another experience with food came on several of the trips to Utah. If you know me, you know I love Cafe Rio food. I can duplicate it quite nicely but its also fun to just go to the restaurant when I am in town. Cafe Rio is a place where I order the most yummiest pulled pork salad ever. The cilantro dressing is amazing. Google the recipes if you really are wanting to try this.

The last experience I want to write about with food and how it feeds my "soul" is the lunch dates I had with my friends and with Daren. Several times this year I was able to meet dear girlfriends at restaurants in the area. It was so nourishing for my soul. It really was. This last semester Daren and I got in the habit of meeting each other on Fridays for lunch. It was a treat for us both. Out of all the places I went with my friends and with Daren, I will have to say that the new Thai restaurant is a favorite. It's called the "Suwanee." The restaurant was "food" for both my spirit and my body! Try the mango chicken or delicious curry! So yummy!

A Photo is Worth a Thousand Words

2010-12-26T14:38:00.003-06:00

December 25 – Photo – a present to yourself. Sift through all the photos of you from the past year. Choose one that best captures you; either who you are, or who you strive to be. Find the shot of you that is worth a thousand words. Share the image, who shot it, where, and what it best reveals about you.

The Snider Family, July 2010

Colin, Daren, Laura, Ann, Cameron and Christopher

They say a "picture is worth a thousand words." I truly believe this. Just take a look at the above two pictures. I love my family! I love each one of them beyond words. They are all that I am and want to be! Each person in my family helps me to be the best person I can be! And most of all my family teaches me things about myself that are sometimes very painful, yet are so needful to be corrected. (i.e. patience, happiness, enjoying the moment, laughter, temperance...)

Last July we were able to join in the Snider Family Reunion. Daren has three brothers and a sister. I adore each one of them and their spouses.--and their respectful families. I married into the very best family! I really did. Anyway, we decided to have a little family reunion in Salt Lake City, Utah over the 4th of July week-end. On the last day we took several group "family" pictures. One of the "new" nieces is a photographer. I asked her if she might just take a couple of pictures of our family. What you see above is just that! Our family at their best. Our family having fun together and enjoying each other. They are two photos that I will enjoy for a very long time. They are treasures. Thank you Debbie for sharing your talents with our family!

These pictures reveal the Snider Family and my love for each one of them. I love you all so much!

Everything's Going To Be OK.

2010-12-24T12:08:00.003-06:00

December 24. Everything’s OK. What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright? And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead?

Just today I had one of those "it's going to be OK" moments as I registered for my first two graduate classes. Yes, me, N. Ann Snider, a graduate student at UNK! I am off and running. I registered for the classes and also checked on my books for the classes. I did it! I can do this.

When the road to getting my Master's degree seems so overwhelming this year, I am going to remember this day. I am going to remind myself that I can do this. I am doing this because God gave me talents and he has a plan for me. He knows me the best. I just need to use what I have been given and not be afraid.

Get out of the way Ann! You have been standing in my way, way too long!

Giving Myself a New Name

2010-12-23T10:27:00.002-06:00

December 23 – New Name. Let’s meet again, for the first time. If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why?

Cameron, age 7 says he would change his name to "Squishy Bob!" Because that is his nickname.

Laura, age 11 says she loves her name "Laura." That makes me happy, but if she was going to change her name she said she could introduce herself as "Sydney." She says "Sydney" is a cool name. Who knew?

Daren said he would change his name to "Bruce" because "Batman's" real name is Bruce. I didn't know that.

Colin, age 19 would change his name to "Charles Foster Cane." He thinks that sounds cool!

Christopher, age 15 would change his name to "Chris." He said that is his name!

My name. That is a whole blog entry in itself. My dad named me after my mom. First, big mistake! It has been so difficult to explain to everyone what my real name is. You see, my mom goes by Nina Ann Chumbley and I go by, N. Ann Chumbley, now Snider. Try to explain that all your life. Questions like: "What is your first name?" or "why don't you go by your first name?" Or the constant having to pronounce "Nina"--"NINE-A" for everyone. It has been a thorn in my side. I love the name "Ann." That would have been so much easier.

The name I would choose for the day would be "Katherine Elizabeth." I love the name! It's my deep English-Welsh stock coming out. I think the name sounds solid, confident and bold.

I had a good friend in school and her name was "Jamie Danyelle." I thought if I could I would change my name to hers because she seemed to have it all. How life changes.

So, what would you change your name to for the day? There are plenty of chooses out there!

Travel--One of My Favorite Topics

2010-12-22T11:03:00.006-06:00

December 22 – Travel. How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year?

I consider 2010 a light year in the traveling department. I made standard trips to Omaha and Lincoln and other Nebraska and Kansas towns. Can't keep a "city" girl locked up in a town of 30,000 too long. I even overnighted in Lincoln a couple of times with the little ones as well. Loved that!

In March I took Colin on a little trip to Utah. We went out for him to visit the University of Utah campus. It was on this trip that he fell in love with BYU! It's all good. Loved our time together. The Wentworth's let us stay with them and we were able to enjoy a couple of Utah Jazz games as well. Love my NBA basketball.

In July we all traveled out to Utah for a Snider Family Reunion. Daren, his brothers Roger and Phil and his sister, Myrna were all there. David and his family were unable to come out from Ohio. We had the best time. We just loved being together. We really did! We have some wonderful memories of this trip. It was a quick one...but so fun!

In August we decided to take a little "last" minute 26 hour vacation. This is probably our most favorite memory. We left at 4:00 AM for Valentine, Nebraska. We had planned on a simple tubing trip on the Niobrara River. It was so fun! We floated and laughed and ate and just had the best time. We couldn't have asked for a better day. It was so fun to just be together.

All day as we were on the river we kept kidding around about driving up to Mt. Rushmore. We were only six hours away and just couldn't pass it up. So, we did just that. We made our way up to Wall Drug, South Dakota and then over to Mt. Rushmore. We had a great time. It was an amazing day. We had to be back home by 6:00 AM so Christopher could deliver his paper route. And guess what? We made it. It was the best 26 hour vacation we have ever had!

In October I drove out to Utah with Laura. We went to see Colin at BYU and then to up to Salt Lake to go to LDS General Conference on Temple Square. We had wonderful seats for General Conference. It was a wonderful and life-changing experience. Being in the presence of the leaders of the church was so amazing. I enjoyed seeing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing. Laura and I enjoyed the time together. I loved Laura being able to be on Temple Square. It is an experience she will very forget. Colin had his picture taken by the Deseret News. We were so excited to see it. He was flattered to have that happen. During one of the four sessions of the conference the leaders of the church announced a temple in Tijuana, Mexico. What a wonderful time for Colin to be on his two year mission there!

During this 36 hour journey to Salt Lake, Colin, Laura and I had time to spend with the Wentworth's again. We also ate at some of our favorite restaurants and shopped at some of our favorite stores. Grandma Sycamore bread and See's candy were at the top of the list. I made sure Colin had some groceries in his apartment and that he had what he needed. By the way, his apartment looked spotless. I mean his room. His roommates, well that is a whole another story.

In October I drove to Dubuque, Iowa. I had submitted a proposal to present a paper at the MIDTESOL in Dubuque, Iowa. My paper was accepted and I was more than elated! I WAS SO EXCITED! It was one of the items on my "bucket list."

For my trip to MIDTESOl, I headed out after I taught at CCC on Thursday night. I figured that if I could be in Omaha by midnight I could get a good nights sleep and then drive the rest of the way to Dubuque. It was a fun drive. I loved every minute of it! I was able to drive through Iowa--all of it and then on to Dubuque. This city sits on the rock cliffs of the Mississippi River. I just thought I had died and gone to heaven. The view was amazing as I looked out over the Mississippi and saw Wisconsin and Illinois. So fun! Adventure is my middle name!

I was able to stay in the Conference hotel. The hotel was recently restored and so beautiful. Probably the nicest hotel I've ever stayed in. http://www.hoteljuliendubuque.com/ You can check it out here! I enjoyed a five star hotel and the wonderful spa!

I was able to stop at the Amana Colonies in Iowa and eat yummy "German" food and also do a little "outlet" shopping. I also attended the LDS ward in Dubuque.

Over all the year was one of "mini" refreshing trips. I think it will go down in Snider history as a year worth remembering.

And as for 2011. Well, I don't know if there will be much traveling on my part. I know Daren has conference in Hawaii in January. Colin leaves for his LDS mission to Mexico-Tijuana in the end part of March, with a two month stay in Provo where he will be in a language school to learn Spanish. In May, Daren and Christopher head to Europe. And so you see, I don't know if I will get to go anywhere. I am thinking that if the weather is good I want to visit family and friends in March. A dream trip would be to take the little ones to Disneyland while Daren and Christopher are in Europe. We will have to see how it all works out!

How Will My Life Be in Five Years?

2010-12-21T08:38:00.002-06:00

December 21 – Future Self. Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead? (Bonus: Write a note to yourself 10 years ago. What would you tell your younger self?)

The "perfect" Ann Snider in 2015! What will I look like? Who will I be? First, let's talk about age. I will be 53. Really? Where did my life go? My husband will be 51. My oldest child will be 24. He will have returned from a two year mission in Mexico and should have finished BYU. My second son will be almost 21. He will out in the world someone on an LDS mission. Where will he be? I think French speaking. He says somewhere in China. He is very talented with languages so it could be anywhere. My only daugther will be 16. NO!!!!!! How can that be? She will be driving. She will also be dating. I hope she is as sweet and athletic as she is now. Oh boy! Watch out. My youngest will be almost 13. He will be a deacon at church and also a seventh grader. I wonder how he will be? He is so intense. Those big blue eyes will certainly help his chances of survival. :)

As for me, I will have finished my MA program at UNK. I hope to be teaching full-time. I dream of being full-time as a "faculty member." How nice would that be? I want the luxury of being a mom. Of creating a wonderful home for my children. I hope that Daren and I will continue have the strong marriage that we do. I see me in five years with no debt. It is possible. Psychically I want to see me in five years as a strong, lean, working machine! Wouldn't it be awesome to be able to know that I could run and keep on running!

My advice to myself for the next five years would be this: Treat yourself as well as you do other people. Be kind to you! Eat right. Sleep right. Exercise everyday! Study your scriptures. Be the mom you want to be. Make time for date night. Say your prayers. Put Christ and the Gospel first in your life. Be kind. Learn to control your tongue! Be gentle with others. Be gentle with yourself. Make amends! Serve others daily. Make your home a place of refugee. Make it a place where others want to come. Be a great friend. Stop talking about others. Never let an unkind word come from your mouth. Be supportive of others. Learn from their weaknesses. Get out in the community.

Hopefully as I look back at this post in five years, I will have been on the school board for three years. I want to make a difference in the lives of the children of Kearney. I think I have vision. I know how important a good education is.

Five years from now it will be 2015! I wish for peace but know that I will not see that. I want to be in a place where I can feel peace in my own life even if there is not any peace in the world!

Bring on 2015. I better get working. I don't want this advice to go unheeded!

What am I Avoiding?

2010-12-20T16:38:00.003-06:00

December 20 – Beyond Avoidance. What should you have done this year but didn’t because you were too scared, worried, unsure, busy or otherwise deterred from doing? (Bonus: Will you do it?)

This could be a very long answer. First, I should have lost 100 pounds. Life would be so much better by now. Think of the energy level I would have. Think of the amazing things I could be doing with my children and others. I will work on this 2011. I don't have a choice.

Second, I should have cleaned the downstairs up and de-junked. I would love to have a beautiful place to have friends and family relax. The job will get done in the next few weeks. Colin is home and ready to help me. I know we can get this done once and for all.

Third, I should have gotten my financial self in better shape. I am almost 50. OK--so I am 48...but I wanted to own my own house by now and have some money in the bank. I have let "things" stand in the way of who I really know I can be. I am also generous to a fault. I love to share with others and do nice things for others. Maybe a bit too much sometimes. In 2011 Daren and I will have Colin serving an LDS mission for two years in Mexico. The mission cost about $400.00 a month. We pay that upfront each month. I think that is going to have to make us a little more disciplined. We will have to be.

Fourth. I really should have forgiven more people and learned to be more soft spoken. I want a close family and I want to move forward. Life is too short to hold grudges and such. I am one who wears their feelings on their sleeves. I really need to change this.

OK, that is enough for one day. These prompts are just so brutal sometimes!

One Lesson I Have Learned About Myself

2010-12-17T09:14:00.002-06:00

December 17 – Lesson Learned What was the best thing you learned about yourself this past year? And how will you apply that lesson going forward?

Some of the prompts for this week have been easy to answer. This one is no different. I like that the prompts make it so that I can write a simple, and also a short answer. By having great prompts like these I can take a minute and write. I guess that is what I am looking for. I want to write more. I really do!

2010 was no different that many of the other years I have spent in Nebraska. There was snow, wind, humidity, sunshine, rain, happiness, sadness and change. Our oldest graduated from high school this year. I did great! In fact as I really thought about his life changing, I was so happy for him. I was happy that he had become the person I had hoped he would. I was grateful for good teachers, mentors and others that have helped Daren and I raise our children. I certainly don't do it alone.

As I sent this boy--young man off to college I realized again that he was doing the best thing I could imagine. He was moving on to the next step in his life. I really haven't been sad. I love to hear of his triumphants and of his successes. He is an amazing young man and I am so proud of him. I learned that I can go on when a child leaves home. It really is OK!

But if I had to choose one thing that I learned about myself in 2010, I guess it would have to be that I can do hard things. I really believe that the Lord will help you and protect and provide for you if you will let him. I don't always do that. Having my class load at UNK cut by half was a real shocker. What it has meant for our family is a $10,000 cut from our income. The timing was horrible. All of this happened about two weeks before school. We were sending a child off to college and a few months later we would need to also provide the money for his LDS mission for two years. I felt like a bomb had exploded and that I wasn't going to survive. I pulled back into my little shell. I ate horrible. I didn't exercise. I pretty much went into survival mode. Here we are four months later and we are OK.--don't look too closely at our house.

I found a little teaching job at a local community college a couple of nights a week and work a little here and there for the school district. Is it what I want? NO! But is something I can work with. Maybe. This change also provided me with the motivation to start my MA degree. I have wanted to start the program, but now I "have" to. It's great! By the time I am 50 I will have my masters degree. NICE!

So in all things there can be good things come about. Learning about myself is not always easy. I know that in 2011 I can go forward. I will keep changing the things I don't like about myself and strengthening those wonderful talents I have been given. Lessons learned in life are vital!

How Friendships Have Changed Me This Year

2010-12-16T22:22:00.002-06:00

December 16 – Friendship. How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst?

I have to start out by saying that I must drive my German friends crazy. In Germany it is said that to have one or two friends in a lifetime is to be very lucky. Friendship is taken very seriously there. I on the other hand have lots and lots of people I consider friends. People make fun of me all the time when they notice that I have 1900 plus friends on Facebook. I love people! I always have. So when I read a question about "a friend" my mind just starts to try and think of just one, and that is just impossible. For me, this is not even realistic!

I work with a good friend, Lisa T. Earlier this fall she suggested that I re-read the book, "Who Moved My Cheese?" I had had my class load at UNK cut in half and was now having to work three part-time jobs instead of one. It has taken it's toll on me. After I read that book I realized that I was going to have to go with the change or I would continue to be miserable. I knew I couldn't live like that. So in this case, the change suggested by Lisa happened in a matter of just an hour or so. I highly suggest the book if you haven't read it lately!

Another friend of mine is so good about taking control of her physical body. My friend Pam gets up everyday at 5;00 AM and works out at the YMCA. Now Pam doesn't love this but she knows that if she doesn't she will not be the person she really wants to be. She has been faithful to this routine. She look amazing! She acts so happy. She walks everyday in addition to her work out schedule. She is such a great example to me! Way to go! Although I haven't followed her lead, I know that she is a great source of support for when I need her.

My friend Dickie is so wonderful! She has been like my BFF for 20 years. We talk every Sunday night. She is working with the Young Women at church right now and I am teaching the youth of the same age. She and I talk and solve all the worlds problems together. She has raised her children and I know that I can call her night or day and she will have a listening ear. She is a great source of encouragement. I love that I always feel welcome around her! She is generous to a fault. Thank you for your guestroom! I know I have an escape get-a-way when needed! That is the best!

Over the last 27 years I have maintained a friendship with one of my missionary companions. When I was a missionary for the LDS church in Germany back in 1984 and 1985 I worked with a wonderful woman from LaVerkin, UT. Our friendship is one that is constant. We exchange cards and letters and brief phone calls. We call here and there but our paths in life never cross. As we read each other's blogs and comment on life, we seem to be able to support what each other is doing. I admire her so much. She is am amazing woman. Her friendship has transformed me into doing things in my life so much better. She leads a simple but amazing life. I love that! My perspective of the world is made stronger as I see her cope with life changes and do it with grace and love! Thanks for being my friend Patty!

I am sure that many of my friends have helped me in my journey this year. I think about my dear friend Carrie who just gave birth to her fifth child. A darling with boy with Down's. She is an amazing woman! Cache is so lucky to have her as a mother! Really! I think about my friends who are battling cancer. I think about the friends I have lost. I think about the 90 year old friend I called this week who had just buried her second child. She told me that no one should have to bury their child. I think about those that have married for the first time. Those of my friends who have moved. My life will never be the same! I am so grateful for what I learn from others! Thank you!

2010-12-16T13:50:00.002-06:00

December 16 – Wisdom Wisdom. What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out? I think the wisest decision I made in 2010 was to finally get my MA. I know it means that I will give up some things. I know I will have to work hard at "school work" again, but I think that having my Masters degree will pay off in the end.

If I Lost All Memory of 2010

2010-12-15T13:33:00.002-06:00

December 15 – 5 Minutes Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010.

Ready? Go! Colin going off to BYU for the first time. An awesome family reunion with Daren's family in July. FAMILY. Teaching at UNK. Traveling to Utah. Hanging with Dickie. Weekly phone calls to my BFF. Carrie having Cache. Applying for a graduate program at UNK. Prayers answered. Good Health. Not exercising. Letting myself go a bit. Church. Institute and Seminary. Growing in the area of patience and kindness. Music. TV programs like: "Biggest Loser" and "Parenthood." Monday afternoon movies. Great LDS Leaders. Attending General Conference with Laura and Colin. Pictures in the newspaper. Good town to raise a family in. Watching many good friends move away like the Pages, Praters, Loveless', Lopez' and others. Good Sanitarian Hospital Advisory Board. Being on the Park and Recreation Advisory Board. Jury Duty. Gas at $3.00 a gallon. A loaf of bread is $2.00. A gallon of milk is $2.90. The Dodge Caravan has 230,00 miles. Joining the YMCA. Seeing a son graduate from High School, go on to College and also receive a mission call to serve in the Mexico-Tijuana mission. Lunch dates; Laughter with friends with Pam, Carol, Lanna, Carrie and others. Being there for Carrie when she found out about baby "C." Serving others. Being served by others. The generosity of the dear friends. Seeing Evelyn lose her 60 year old son. Seeing Cameron play football. Watching Laura turn into a wonderful young lady. Seeing Christopher do all the things in high school that I dreamed of. Chris was a "munchkin" in the high school play. He was in the "pit" for band. I am so proud of him. Watching all the kids play the piano so well. Supporting a friend who was going through a bitter divorce. Learned this year to rely on the Lord. Read the Book of Mormon. Strengthened my testimony of Jesus Christ. Read some great books. Presented a paper at a professional conference in Dubuque, Iowa. Started teaching ESL at the Community College.

~Cohesive ME! Body and Mind~

2010-12-12T08:08:00.002-06:00

December 12 – Body Integration. This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn’t mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present?

This is a very difficult question to answer because I feel like I have really not worked my body and mind well alone or together this year.

One of the times that I feel the most like my body and mind are working in perfect harmony is when I teach. I love the feeling when a class has gone extremely well. I don't know that it happens every time. In fact, I know it does not. What I do know is that there are times when I stand to teach, whether it be in the classroom at UNK, CCC or church or in the community and I feel that out of body experience where I watch myself teach. I am usually very amazed at the experience. I feel the thrill and the adrenal rush like no other. I love it! I am so grateful for those tender mercies and for those experiences. (I compare it to the feeling I had after the birth of Laura. I had no drugs during her delivery and it was an amazing feeling right after she was born. I hope one day to have that feeling again. I have heard runners get that same feeling at the end of a very long race.--bucket list here I come!)

Sometimes in my crazy life as a mother of four, wife, friend, lover, confidante, peacemaker, and whatever other titles the day brings, I don't have all the time in the world to give to the "perfect" lesson. In fact, I would say that I have to really be on top of my teaching or I get in real trouble. Everyday I pray to Heavenly Father for his help in my ability to teach the students what they need. I know that he is there. He answers my prayers. He steps in and lifts me and gives the knowledge I know I don't have and lets me do the best job possible. He puts thoughts in my mind as I teach. These thoughts are things I do not know. I am awe struck by his goodness to me! He helps me to succeed and to be good/excellent at what I do.

In having these experiences it also strengthens me in many other areas of my life. I know that I am not alone. I know that I have a Heavenly Father how knows "Ann Snider." He knows that I am doing all that I can and that I need his help. He is there when I ask. I love the picture of him standing at the door. All I have to do is ask for his help and he is there. I love that! I am grateful to feel peace in the many things that I do. I have a hard time saying "no." God knows that and he helps me to go a little farther and do a little more then I just can't.

At the end of the day, at least on most days, I fall into bed and ask myself how I can ever do this again in just a few short hours. But somehow the alarm goes off, and I push "snooze" three or four times and I get out of bed and do it again.

So, in answering the question of the day: I do feel times when my body and mind are working in sinc with each other. Not all the time, but I do have those wonderful experiences. I can't help but hope that sometime maybe they will become and more frequent and not just on occasion.

Reverb #10 and Sharing 2010 in Hinsight!

2010-12-11T11:56:00.004-06:00

http://www.reverb10.com/
Check out this website. My friend Cathie recommended this on facebook today and I want to finish out the year with it. We are on Day 10 today, but I will try and quickly catch up!

December 11 – 11 Things
What are 11 things your life doesn’t need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life?
1. This is always the easiest for me. EXTRA WEIGHT! If anyone knows that I am over-weight, I certainly am aware of this. I know this is brutal and I like to be honest. It's true! I have let myself go this year. After having half of my classes cut at UNK, I took the survival approach to the rest of the year. I have worked three jobs to make sure that we were where we needed to be. I don't mind. It's just that when you turn to just surviving, many things have to take a back seat. Mine was my daily exercise routine. It has to be better in 2011. It just has to! Being 100 pounds lighter in 2011 will be a new experience for me. I just have to do it! I have to stop getting in the way of me.--thanks Laurel for that insight!
2. A Negative Image--in one area--a very LARGE area--I have created a negative image of who I really am. I can't keep this up. I have to let the past go and move forward. I am hiring a PR firm to invent the "Ann Snider" I know I am! --Just kidding on the PR firm--OK, maybe not.
3. My life doesn't need clutter in 2011. I am changing some things up in the Snider home. Decluttering is on the top of the list.
4. A messy desk. My desk in my office has been out of control this year. I have always taken so much pride on my organization there. 2011 will be the year of change.
5. A temper. I have noticed that this year was extremely difficult for me in this area. I have worked hard to overcome my temper. With this I mean my annoyance with people who can't and don't work and live as hard as I do. I am planning on taking a step back this year and working on this area. I want to be able to accept people for who they are and especially for where they are in their own journey in this life.
6. I don't need so many kitchen gadgets. I am getting rid of the excess in the kitchen. I need to have a clean, sleek, and functional area. "Goodwill watch out!"
7. A loud voice. I have always admired the women around me who maintain a calm, cheerful voice on all levels. I want to cultivate this in 2011. My children will be so surprised.
8. Lack of routine. Many of the people around me think I accomplish a lot in my life. I don't know that I accomplish a lot. I think I am just busy. Busy isn't always good. Busy just means that. BUSY! At the end of the day or week, I find myself looking back and noticing that I really didn't do that much. I want to have a routine in 2011. I want to know that at 6:14 am I exercise. At 8:49 AM I read my scriptures and reflect. I want a bedtime and a wake-up time. I want to know that on the 2nd Tuesday I eat lunch with my girlfriends....I think you get the picture!
9. Dr. Pepper! I know I have said this a million times! I know soda in all forms is bad for you. I need to just let it go all together. Really. Just not even break down one time! NOT even one! My children told me I need to pay them $5.00 every time I order a soda. I think that might work. We will see.
10. I want to cut down on my Facebook time in 2011. I love facebook. I love keeping in touch with my 1900 plus friends. I really do! It's time consuming and a time waster. I know that. I am really moving on 2011 to make facebook a "treat" rather than an hourly check.
11. I want to leave behind excuses in 2011. I want to read, run, write, create, dream, laugh, travel, plant, declutter, organize and share in 2011. Daily schedules and weekly "self-checks" are going to be the norm and not be pushed out for other things.

There! I feel so much better. I know that this journey for the next few days will be life changing. As I go to print my "blog book" for 2010, it may be tiny but it will end with a loud and victorious BOOM!

Shout Out for my friend Laurel's New Book: "He Loves Us and We Love Him: You've Memorized It, Now Live It."

2010-08-22T15:17:00.003-05:00

This is the front cover of the new book my friend, Laurel has.

Check out the little description below: (AMAZING!)

From Laurel:

"He Loves Us and We Love Him: You've Memorized It, Now Live It."It's a new take on the YW Theme.And it went to press yesterday.I had the privilege of spending time with Sister Ardeth Kapp on this project (she even wrote the "Afterword" for the book.). On several Sunday afternoons last Spring, you could have found me in her home reading her journals from 1984-1986. It gave me a sense of all that was transpiring in the creation and "launch" of the YW theme. That experience, along with a lifetime of experiences, pushed me to finish this project that I suppose you could say has been in the works for 25 years (this November is the 25th Anniversary of the YW Theme...did you know that?)

We priced it low so it could get into the hands of as many girls as possible.I feel pretty passionately about the message.I want to share it with them.In print and in person.

Pre-order here: DeseretBook.com

Quotes from the book:

FAITH"The reality is that faith isn’t about me. It’s about Him. And the Lord Jesus Christ has a pretty impeccable past record…not just in my life but in the countless lives and experiences of God’s children. That is why if my faith is really centered in HIM, then I’m always okay. Always."

DIVINE NATURE"Regardless of who your parents are or how they have chosen to raise you, you have inherited qualities from your Heavenly Parents that are 'in your blood.' It's just who you are."

INDIVIDUAL WORTH"Trust that God has a divine mission waiting for you and JUST for you. Trust that He, even now, is orchestrating details of your life to help you fulfill what you were sent to this earth to perform."

KNOWLEDGE"The most important knowledge you will gain in this life will be the knowledge that is put into your heart and your mind through life's experience by the power of the Holy Ghost."

CHOICE & ACCOUNTABILITY"Every choice has a consequence. But, the Lord loves you enough and trusts you enough to let YOU choose throughout your life. And a daughter of God who understands who she is has the power within her to make good choices and then gets to enjoy the consequences of those choices."

GOOD WORKS"One of the characteristics of God's daughters is that we have a natural inclination to nurture other people. We want to love them and serve them and help them. It's one of my favorite things about being a girl. And it's one of the things that makes a girl beautiful."

INTEGRITY"That is the epitome of integrity--not simply acting right when you have the chance to act wrong, but acting right when you have the chance to act...right."

VIRTUE"The culminating experience for a daughter of God who lives the values is being as close as possible to her Father in Heaven and to her Savior as she enters the doors of God's Holy House--the temple."

Thoughts for a Friday!

2010-08-06T09:55:00.002-05:00

I have only meet Marilyn once! I feel like I have known her for years! --eternity maybe! I read her blog everyday. She is full of wisdom and so talented! I wish I lived down the street! I wish our paths crossed everyday. But that isn't the case. I will get over it!

I would like to share some of Marilyn's blog from a few days ago with you! I really loved what I read and want to pass it on!
------------------------------------------------
The Standard
Recently I have been the recipient of small kindnesses and again, it makes me realize how important we are to each other. In simple ways, we can lift each other's burdens and hearts. It is easy to be kind and generous when life is good to you but much more difficult when you've been betrayed or are in the midst of the battle.

A few weeks ago I was able to teach the story of Abigail and Nabal and David from the Old Testament. The story is basically this: David and his army had been wandering (hiding from King Saul trying to kill him) in the wilderness and spent some of their time protecting the herds and flocks of a rich man named Nabal. As was custom at that time, when you would provide a service like this, you would be paid a tribute in supplies. Nabal was a wicked man and spurned the requests for compensation.

David was angry and offended and drew his sword and called his men to battle. Then off in the distance, David saw a woman approaching, with donkeys overflowing with goods. The beautiful woman, named Abigail (who was Nabal's wife) knelt down before David and said that she hadn't seen David's servants come to ask for compensation and she basically apologized for her husband's transgression and asked that his sin be taken upon her. She also plead for David's heart....that even though he had been wronged, he wouldn't sin himself by how he re-acted. What an amazing story.

Basically Abigail is a type of Christ- meaning that is exactly what Christ does for us. We need to trust that He will take care of the matter of the sinner. We need to be concerned with what happens to our spirit when we are filled with anger or revenge. God requires our hearts to be forgiving before we are given the gift of forgiveness ourselves. (one of the beatitudes.)

Another scripture in the New Testament actually calls the "reaction" sin even greater. That seems harsh but I think the point is, when we have been sinned against, or been betrayed or offended, it is really important to make sure our hearts are right toward the offender and how we conduct ourselves basically becomes "our" test. Being kind matters.... a lot.

"Be kind to all as our Father in Heaven is kind. He sends his rain upon the just and the unjust and gives the sun to shine upon the evil and the good. So let our goodness extend to all of the works of his hands, where we can but do not yield to the spirit and the influence of evil. Do not encourage wickedness in our midst". Brigham Young

"Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you - not because they are nice, but because you are". ~Author Unknown

What this world needs is a new kind of army - the army of the kind. ~Cleveland Amoryod

----------------------------------------------------
Just some thoughts for a Friday morning!

Turning 48!

2010-08-06T09:41:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful birthday I have had! The night before my birthday I kindly and obediently wrote out a list of how I would like my birthday to play out. Daren seems to work best with this and so I am happy to oblige!

I did spend most of the day in the classroom. I didn't mind. My students enjoyed some "Eileen's cookies" and I enjoyed sharing part of the day with them.

A few dear friends dropped in and I enjoyed the quietness of the evening. Daren and the kids cooked a delicious dinner. We had homemade tacos and topped the dinner off with a big glass of ice cold milk. I think we even ate the cake first!

Life is grand! I am surrounded by friends who make my life so fun!

The birthday celebrating finally came to an end yesterday. I will be sad. Two dear friends took me to lunch at the "new/old" Thai restaurant. It was a treat! The lunch was not the quiet exchange of thoughts and ideas I had planned. It was a bit more "drama," but that was OK too! In a town of 30,000 you can't usually go anywhere without running into someone you know. Yesterday was no exception. I bet out of the 50 chairs in the restuarant, I knew 30 of the people eating lunch. That doesn't equal a quiet, fun lunch with friends....maybe next time!

So here is to another great year on earth! Everyday is such a blessing! I will try to complain less and do more. I really will! Everyday is a gift and I know that!

Snider Family Reunion July 2010

2010-07-17T09:41:00.003-05:00

Four out of the five Snider children and their families

(OK--some of their families, missing Amy and Mary and All of David's family!)

Ten years ago, Phyllis and Ken Snider passed away. Since that time, the five children of Phyllis and Ken have been trying to have a reunion. We wanted a reunion with everyone. We tried.

Thanks to Stacey Snider-Birk and many, many others, we had a pretty "near" complete reunion a few weeks ago.

I was so wrapped up in having a great time with all the family who I miss so much, that I didn't take ONE...no, not ONE photo. I am really relying on the charity of others to share their photos with me.

We recently had a professional photographer marry into the family! Debbie Snider is the talented photographer who snapped the lovely photo above. Can't wait to see more.

I hope it doesn't take us another ten years to get together! I love my Snider familY!

NOTE: Just you try to enlarge the photo, this is NOT our serious family photo. It's a teaser from the photographer herself, until we get all the photos. Just thought I would share.

Updated and Outdated But Still Delicious! CAFE RIO RECIPES

2010-07-15T11:43:00.003-05:00

For those of you living within driving distance of Cafe Rio this will be a boring post. BUT, for the rest of us who crave Cafe Rio and want to enjoy the great food, I have included all recipes needed to make your favorite Cafe Rio food. I am getting hungry just thinking about it. ENJOY!

Try it out for yourself and you will see! It really is easier than it looks. It only took me about an hour to make (after the pork was in the crock pot). The rice and beans are SUPER easy, and you definitely want the beans and rice to get the whole experience! Also, be generous with the cilantro! Try it and let me know what you think! I KNOW you won't be disappointed!!

What will you need?

6 large flour tortillas

Shredded cheese--Mexican blend

Cafe Rio Rice

Cafe Rio Black Beans

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork

Lettuce (NOT iceberg, use leafy green or Romaine)* very important

Diced tomatoes

Onion

Cilantro (pico de gallo)

Guacamole

Sour cream

Tortilla Strips

Cotija cheese, crumbled (or you can use Parmesan)

Cafe Rio Cilantro Ranch OR ***NEW*** Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

Here is how to put it all together:

First of all, buy the aluminum deep-dish pans (they had these at the grocery store, you will know when you see them.. they look JUST like the Cafe Rio tins). Lay a tortilla in the bottom of the pan, sprinkle cheese on it, and put in the oven at 375 for about 5 min or until the cheese is melted. Remove from oven.

Next, add beans, rice, pork, then lettuce and a little scoop of diced tomatoes and onions (pico de gallo). Add guacamole (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) and sour cream. Add crushed tortilla chips, a shake of Parmesan cheese, and top with a few cilantro leaves. Serve with the cilantro ranch or vinaigrette dressing and there you have it! (makes about 6 salads)

SWEET PORK RECIPE:
2 pounds pork (we like to use boneless pork ribs)

3 cans Coke (NOT diet)

1/4 c. brown sugar

dash garlic salt

1/4 c. water

1 can sliced green chilies

3/4 can RED enchilada sauce (I used Old El Paso brand, medium spiciness)

1 c. brown sugar

Put the pork in a heavy duty Ziploc bag to marinade. Add about a can and a half of coke and about 1/4 c. of brown sugar. Marinade for a few hours or overnight.Drain marinade and put pork, 1/2 can of coke, water, and garlic salt in crock pot on high for about 3-4 hours (or until it shreds easily, but don't let it get TOO dry). Remove pork from crock pot and drain any liquid left in the pot. Shred pork.In a food processor or blender, blend 1/2 can Coke, chilies, enchilada sauce and remaining brown sugar (about a cup, you can add a little more or less to taste..). If it looks too thick, add more Coke little by little.Put shredded pork and sauce in crock pot and cook on low for 2 hours. That's it!

CILANTRO-LIME RICE:
1 c. uncooked rice

1 tsp. butter or margarine

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. freshly squeezed lime juice

1 can (15 oz) chicken broth

1 cup water

1 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice

2 tsp. sugar

3 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro

In a saucepan combine rice, butter, garlic, 1 tsp. lime, chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil. Cover and cook on low 15-20 minutes, until rice is tender. Remove from heat. In a small bowl combine lime juice, sugar and cilantro. Pour over hot cooked rice and mix in as you fluff the rice.

BLACK BEANS:
2 Tbsp. olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 1/3 c. tomato juice

1 1/2 tsp. salt

2 Tbsp. fresh chopped cilantro

In a nonstick skillet, cook garlic and cumin in olive oil over medium heat until you can smell it. Add beans, tomato juice, and salt. Continually stir until heated through. Just before serving stir in the cilantro. (**NOTE** we added a can of corn, drained, to the beans with a dash of cumin and chili powder, it was AWESOME! We recommend doing this even though it's not "traditional Cafe Rio")

CILANTRO RANCH DRESSING:
1 packet TRADITIONAL Hidden Valley Ranch mix (not BUTTERMILK)

1 c. mayonnaise

1 c. buttermilk

2 tomatillos, remove husk, diced

1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro

1 clove garlic

juice of 1 lime

1 jalapeno (we like it SPICY so we kept the seeds in it, if you like it mild, just remove the seeds)Mix all ingredients together in the blender. That's it!

Homemade Flour Tortillas
They are also great for soft tacos. You are going to need a fairly large griddle or pan if you are going to make the huge tortillas for a salad or burrito. These tortillas taste amazing.

3 c. flour

1 1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp. baking powder

3/4 c. shortening

3/4 c. very hot water

In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour, salt, and baking powder together. Cut in the shortening with your fingers or pastry cutter until the flour is crumbly. Add the water and mix until the dough comes together. Place on a lightly floured surface and knead for a few minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in bowl, cover with a slightly damp dishtowel and let sit for an hour. Divide the dough into 5-6 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball (if you are making soft taco sized tortillas, divide it into 10-12 pieces).Preheat a large skillet or pan to medium-high heat. Use a well-floured rolling pin to roll a dough ball into a thin, round tortilla (if you want it perfectly round, get a large round plate or serving platter, flip it upside down over the dough and cut out the circle). Place into the hot skillet, and cook until bubbly, golden, and no appearance of doughy-ness, about 1 minute (DON'T OVERCOOK.. remember these are supposed to be soft flour tortillas, you don't want them to be crispy); flip and continue cooking until golden on the other side. Place the cooked tortilla in a tortilla warmer or on a large plate, covering with a slightly damp towel. Repeat with remaining dough.

The BEST Guacamole EVER
In my opinion, the best guacamole is FRESH guacamole with as many ingredients from the garden as possible. Almost all the ingredients are FRESH and we added a few shakes of green Tabasco sauce.

3 avocados

Red onion, chopped (about 1/4 c.)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 bunch cilantro leaves, chopped

1 jalapeno, finely chopped (or to taste)

1 large ripe garden tomato (or 2 smaller tomatoes), diced

juice of 1 lime

4-5 shakes green Tabasco sauce

Kosher salt, to taste

Fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Pit avocados and mash in a bowl. If you like your guac kind of chunky (that's how we like it), coarsely chop with the side of a fork instead of using the fork to mash it straight down. Carefully stir in remaining ingredients until well mixed. That's it!

Homemade Tortilla Strips
These are perfect for Our Version of Cafe Rio Salads (or any salad for that matter. They are so easy and cheap to make. If you buy these at the store, they are like $4! What a rip-off! These taste a lot better than the store ones too. I promise it is worth making your own!

10-12 corn tortillas

oil for frying

Kosher salt

Cut tortillas into strips using a pizza cutter. You can cut 2-3 at a time pretty easily. Heat oil in a large frying pan. Place strips into hot oil and fry until they become crispy. When nice and crispy, remove from oil and place on a paper towel. Sprinkle with salt after each batch

Cafe Rio's Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette
All of you Cafe Rio lovers, get excited! You will be so surprised how right, smack on this is!

2 tamatillos

1/2 bunch cilantro

2 cloves garlic

1 Tbsp. diced jalapeno (canned) --you can use less if you don't like it spicy at all. I like a little kick.

Juice of 2 limes

1 Tbsp. sugar

1 c. balsamic vinaigrette (we used Kraft)

In a food processor or blender, combine tamatillos, cilantro, garlic, jalapeno, lime juice, and sugar. After it is all blended up well combine with balsamic vinaigrette in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best).

There you have it! All the great Cafe Rio recipes in one spot. There is still nothing better than going to the restaurant, but until there is one in Kearney, NE, I guess having these recipes will just have to do!

Thoughts About Our Life!

2010-07-10T09:28:00.002-05:00

A very wonderful woman I know has a blog. Yesterday on her blog she shared some thoughts that reminded me of what I should be doing with my life. Since I am publishing my blog each year into a book, I want to have 'her" thoughts recorded somewhere in my journal of life. Why? Because I believe that everyone of us need a reminder that "we write our own life's journey." I think some of us just "let" life happen. I know I do a lot of the time! Life is crazy. I balance so many different tasks that I sometimes get to the end of the day and wonder what Heavenly Father would have done with me that day....how would or how could I have been more effective in what I "SHOULD" have done? I don't think I am alone in these thoughts. So...thanks Laurel. Thanks for blogging your life's journey.

__________________________________________

Friday, July 9, 2010

How does the story end?
"You do not know the end of your story."That's what I told an impressive group of girls today.We were in the midst of one of the prettiest spots on the planet.God was there.

The theme, "There Once Was a Girl", was planned to help them understand that they are writing their own story and the need to understand their potential to create the story they were meant to live.

I had them close their eyes and I asked them questions:

Raise your hand if you think you'll get married in the temple.

Raise your hand if you think you'll graduate from college.

Raise your hand if you think you'll serve a mission.

Raise your hand if you think you'll be a mom.

Raise your hand if you think you'll return to God when you leave this life.

We talked about how easy it is to make assumptions about our lives. We see where we are in the middle of a story and we assume we know how it's going to all turn out.But, we aren't the only writers of our story. We are partnered with God.And the reality is that HE is the only who actually knows how the story will end.*****

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is the story of Joseph, sometimes referred to as “Joseph of Egypt”. You know the story.Joseph was the favorite son of his dad. He was so favored that his dad gave him a fancy schmancy coat and everything. Joseph was given a couple of dreams that let him know there was something special about him. He didn’t think twice about sharing his dreams with his brothers. They got tired of his fancy coat and his “I think I might be a ruler one day” dreams and sold him to a company of Ishmaelites going to Egypt (and then lied to their dad and said Joseph was dead). Joseph ends up as a servant in Potiphar’s house. Potiphar’s wife tries to get Joseph into trouble. Joseph is smart enough to run. Potiphar’s wife accuses Joseph of trying to get HER into trouble. Joseph ends up in jail. And then seems to get forgotten.

Now, that’s not the end of the story. But, the thing I love about this story, is that Joseph didn’t know it wasn’t the end of the story. He could have thought the story was over when his brother’s threw him in the pit and sold him to the Ishmaelites.He could have thought the story was over when he ended up as a servant to one of the Pharaoh’s chief captains.He certainly could have assumed the story was over when he ended up in jail.But, he didn’t.He seems to have never stopped believing. Sure he had dark times, but “the Lord was with [him]” (Gen. 39:2, 21) and we can actually read that in the story. But, Joseph didn’t have the benefit of reading the story. He was LIVING the story. And He chose to trust God.And look what happened.

So, wherever you are right now, whether you feel like your world has been turned upside down (like Joseph in the pit) or you feel like things couldn’t be better, what you must understand is that your story is still being written.Every day. *****

Funny.As I was talking to the girls, I realized I do the same things they do. I make assumptions all the time about how things will turn out.I look to the end of the story when I'm still at the beginning.But, I'm not the only writer here. I am partnered with God.

And the reality is that HE is the only who actually knows how the story will end.And I trust His ability to write a really great story.

I do.

Friday morning, July 10, 2010

2010-07-09T12:54:00.002-05:00

Quick!

Sorry. Another busy, crazy day! So, ten random thoughts and a quick meme!
1. I have to teach four classes today.
2. The kids have practiced the piano, read, done their chores and are ready to play this afternoon.
3. it’s cool for July. 80s. Feels more like June.
4. Going to go see “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” tonight. It’s outdoors at Yanney Park. 5. I'm craving exercise and a new beginning. And some “See’s” Candy might be nice!
6. I am making Chicken Taco Soup for dinner tonight. I promise.
7. Daren is working at his office today. Research! Research! Research!
8. Not a fan of Stephanie Meyers' latest book. Too dark.
9. I love the Book of Mormon!
10. I really need to stop checking Face book every two minutes. But it’s so fun! I love all my friends and family!

1. Where is your cell phone? Right beside me on the end table. Don’t want to miss a call.
2. Your significant other? Daren
3. Your hair? Curly with mouse today! I needed a change.
4. Your mother? Living in Lancaster, CA and house-sitting for my brother and sister in law.
5. Your father? He died five years ago this month. I so wish he were here to talk to. I miss him.
6. Your favorite thing? Family
7. Your dream last night? I can’t remember but it was something about an upcoming telecasting thing we are starting here for the youth. It was so real that I thought when I woke up that it was really real. Does that make sense?
8. Your favorite drink? Water with lemon. I miss my DP...but holding strong.
9. Your dream/goal? To be out of debt and skinny.
10. The room you're in? My family room.
11. Your ex? Dr. Pepper
12. Your fear? Having one of my children die before I teach them everything they need to know.
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? With a new job and a new home and having had two sons serve LDS missions. I hope to have finished a Masters degree by then as well. Oh yeah! And be skinny!
14. Where were you last night? I was running around crazy for others and the family. We had guests stop by and then Daren had a meeting and I finally got to sit down at 10:00 PM and read the last few pages in the Book of Mormon I needed to. I am reading 15 pages each page for 40 days or so. Colin and I want to finish the BOM before he heads off to BYU.
15. What you're not? Going to bed yet?
16. Muffins? I could use some fresh blueberry muffins. A cinnamon roll would be perfect as well! I don’t think either of those will help me get to my “skinner” goal.
17. One of your wish list items? A new phone with a GPS. Birthday is next Friday. Do you think?
18. Where you grew up? I was born in Salt Lake City, Utah but I lived most of life in San Diego, California. And I am proud of it! Love my San Diego!
WHO KNOWS WHERE 19 and 20 went....keep reading......
21. Your TV? In the other room and off most of the time.
22. Your pets? Gretchen, a miniature schnauzer.
23. Your computer? In the other room and then the laptop I am typing on now.
24. Your life? Full. I just can’t help thinking how much I love my family. I pray every day that I can be worthy of them for all eternity.
25. Your mood? Excited for the week-end. I teach 10 more days this summer. Where has the summer gone? I haven’t even been in my bathing suit once.
26. Missing someone? I miss all my family I saw last week. They are the best. I also miss my BFF Dickie! She and I barely got to see each other last week.
27. Your car? In the garage. I really wish we could afford a new van right now. That’s OK...this van will keep me humble.
28. Something you're not wearing? SHOES. I kick off my shoes first thing every day when I come home for lunch.
29. Favorite Store? I love the new Deseret Book in downtown Salt Lake City. It was an amazing adventure. I would have to say Costco. The closest one is in Omaha, so I think we are safe.
30. Your summer? Played first, worked second. No international travel. Got to see all of Daren’s family except the Ohio Snider’s. Realized how much I miss my family!
31. Like someone? In love with Daren and love my children. Like my students this summer.
32. Your favorite color? Yellow! I would highlight is and make it yellow but you wouldn’t be able to see it!
33. When is the last time you laughed? In my class this morning as I tried to get some international students to use gestures and body language more in their speeches.
34. Last time you cried? This morning as I shared a “tender” moment with my boss about a student in one of my classes.

“Taking joy in life is a woman's best cosmetic.”

Ms. Janet Rose--A tribute(and no, she is NOT dead!)

2010-06-24T08:23:00.004-05:00

Ms. Janet Rose at the Induction Ceremony for National Honor Society

May 2010, KHS

Recently we were invited to attend the induction ceremony for the NHS at Kearney High School. As part of the ceremony they had asked Ms. Janet Rose to be the keynote speaker. I was thrilled. I was even more excited yesterday as I found the above picture of her in an online photo album someone had created. NICE!

Ms. Rose has been the Speech and Debate coach at the high school here for years. I met her when I first moved to town almost eleven years ago. I had been thinking about getting my teaching credential and so in the midst of taking some teacher education classes, I ventured into Ms. Rose's high school speech class. I have to tell you, Ms. Rose is a master in the classroom. She really had a wonderful way with the students and they loved her. It was a nice treat and I loved coming into her class everyday and getting to know her.

As it turned out, I realized that high school teaching wasn't for me and I was offered a job teaching English to International students at UNK and so it all worked out in the end.

As Ms.Rose spoke she used the analogy of the "BEE" to make her points. It was fabulous. She used wonderful stories from her personal life to make her points. These stories were sincere and not always "perfect." She has had some painful and very had to swallow moments in her life. She has ALWAYS risen above these moments and come out "smelling the roses."

A few years ago she had a stroke. I was so sad when I heard this. I wondered how she would be able to recover enough to come back into the classroom. But she did! She came back and more. I can't even see any permanent scars. AMAZING!

To me, Ms. Rose is a hero. She is a quiet hero. She is the one who lives her life doing all that she can and more and even in the worst situations rises above them. She deserves retirement. She has earned the chance to sleep-in. She should have someone serving her breakfast in bed every morning and cleaning her house and driving her places. She really has been given a life that most would have failed at. She really is a hero!

Thank you Ms. Rose for your outstanding example! Enjoy the rest of your life!

Santa Pictures at the World Theatre-November 2005

2010-06-09T10:43:00.002-05:00

A friend here in Kearney is writing a book about the history of the World Theatre. It's an old historical theatre that was endangered of being torn down. A group of citizens got together and now there are big plans to get the theatre back up and running. I loved taking our kids to the World the day after Thanksgiving and having their pictures taken on Santa's lap. These are a few of those pictures and I thought since I was saving them today for my friend's project, I would include them here on my blog. Cameron is almost two in this picture. He is not thrilled being on Santa's lap. Laura is five in these photos. She is asking Santa for her two front teeth. So funny! November 2005. Kearney, Nebraska.

Taking It One Day at a TIme

2010-06-05T13:35:00.006-05:00

Colin's "herb" garden
Our house with the new railing, front doors and some flower pots

Love "Gerber" daises

Watermelon mound--Cameron is keeping on eye on this plant

Some of the flowers along the back fence. We will be filling these in with flower seeds

More flowers

And more flowers

A little view of "Phyl-Kin" park. This area was named after Grandma and Grandpa Snider

Our wood pile after cutting down seven dying pine trees

I got all excited about blogging again when I realized that I could publish it into a "journal" of sorts for our family! Then as I realized that I hadn't done a lot of blogging in the last year, I couldn't quite decide where to start.

I made the decision to start with today. I think that as I go along and blog a bit everyday, I will be able to make a bit of what I missed. I know all of you are so excited to read about last years events and to make up for lost time.

So today, Saturday, June 5, 2010, here's how part of the day played out. I had been meaning to get up and go to Zumba on Saturdays at the YMCA for a while. Well, this morning my friend, Carrie and I promised each other we would be there. We even gave our kids a chance to swim in the pool for a couple of hours as well. NICE!

After yesterday, I was going into the exercise class a bit sore. I decided to go pick strawberries yesterday with Laura and a friend, Emma Crockett. It was hard work. We picked the smallest, tiny-est strawberries I have ever seen. I am use to the big California strawberries, the size of your fist. It took us about two hours to pick 24 pounds of strawberries. And these weren't the best either. Oh well. Anyway, I was already feeling the strawberry picking when I walked into ZUMBA class. In the end, it was great. I really love the feeling you get from exercising and not really having to think about it. Let me dance for an hour anytime and I will gladly exercise.

After YMCA time this morning I came home to get the rest of the plants in the ground. It has been a cold, wet spring and it's been hard to plant much until about two weeks ago. We have had freezing temperatures at night even until the end of May. One day, my friends from Salt Lake called to tell me that they were getting snow! That was May 25th! WOW-WEE!

I have attached a few photos of our hard work in the yard. We have been slowly trying to get a yard that we can be proud of. I always plant 10 or so pots to give some "color" to the yard. I didn't want to incur any more expense than I needed so I spray painted all the pots from last year, BLACK! I really liked how they came out.

Daren and the boys have been cutting down dead pine trees with the help of some great friends. Daren also made two planter boxes-or raised beds for our garden area. Colin took on an "herb" garden, which I am thrilled to have. Laura and I are throwing flower seeds everywhere we can. I think if you give me another ten years, we might just have a wonderful yard!

Making My Blog into a Book!

2010-06-05T13:26:00.004-05:00

After seeing a friend of mine--who happens to be a missionary companion from the great GHM--showed a great idea about making her blog into a published book every year, I am hot on the trail of blogging as much as I can and also getting those fabulous photos uploaded on here as well. I'm so excited!

Here's the link for making your blog into a book: http://blog2print.sharedbook.com/blogworld/printmyblog/index.html

It looks so simple and I am so excited to give it a try. I'm going to even try my hand at uploading some of my favorite family recipes on a blog and then printing it for my family.

Keeping up the blogging!

2010-06-04T08:47:00.003-05:00

I must have been gone too long from blogging. No matter what I seem to do my spacing on the paragraphs won't come out right. So sorry loyal blog readers.

Just a quick thought this morning before I go out and pick some strawberries. Many of you know that our cute nephew and niece, Grant and Lindsee Thomas had their long awaited baby about 11 weeks early. Miss Elise, or "Elli" as they are calling her, is a champion. She is now getting stronger and making some wonderful progress in the NICU unit at St. Mark's Hospital in Salt Lake City. Lindsee and Grant are amazing parents and just some of the strongest people I know. Each week, since Elise's birth, Lindsee has given us a little update on her progress. As someone living 750 miles away, I am so grateful for the information shared.

This morning Lindsee shared a song that she has sung many times over the last year. I thought I would share it with you. It's called: "Be Strong."

"When the world and its temptations seem to call you by name, BE STRONG, be strong.
When they question everything you put your faith in everyday, BE STRONG, be strong.
And when your trials seem like they're too hard to bear, remember someone else stands by you who's already been there.
Be strong, and of good courage! Be not afraid. Stand firm in the faith. For the Lord will be with you wherever you go. Be His. Be one. Be strong!
"When the world tries to convince you to make the wrong choice.. BE STRONG, be strong.
If in the noise that's all around, you can't hear the Spirit's voice, BE STRONG, be strong.
And when you stand for something right and stand alone, remember someone else stands by you in our heavenly home.
BE STRONG and of good courage! BE not afraid. Stand firm in the faith. For the Lord will be with you wherever you go. Be His. Be one. Be strong!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Szvz73SVOPU

Happy Friday and hope you have a wonderful week-end. Be Strong and know that the Lord will be with you wherever you go! You are his!

Catching Up!

2010-06-02T09:57:00.002-05:00

A picture of the Snider children at Colin's high school graduation. Sunday, May 16, 2010

(Laura, Cameron, Colin and Christopher)

I'm playing a little "catch-up" with my blog. Please no rude comments! :) I thought it would be fun to show a current photograph of the Snider children. Amazing!

Cameron is just finishing up first grade in this picture. He had to have four teeth pulled a few months ago at the dentist and was already missing two. He found it very hard the other night to eat his first corn-on-the-cob of the season. We are hoping that by making room for the "adult" teeth now, he will spend less time in braces later.

Laura just finished fourth grade at the time this picture was taken. She played some sports, but we really tried to limit the amount of activities after school so that she could concentrate on the piano and just being a kid. She did really well with swimming this year. Her true love will always be soccer, but she is hoping to grow some this year and make basketball the new game of the choice!

Christopher is no longer the dreaded "freshman" in high school. He really didn't have to hang too much with the freshman anyway. He shared a locker in the "senior" hallway with his brother and found himself in the "pit" for percussion ensemble. These activities allowed him to be the "older" kids and not be thought of as a freshman. He really showed us his true self this year when some friends who know his standards as far as "movie-watching" go kept inviting him to their house to watch movies that they knew he couldn't or didn't care to view. He would end up calling us about 30 minutes after being at the party. We would come and "rescue" him by giving some excuse that we needed him to babysit for us and had forgotten that we had an event happening that evening. As the school year wore on these friends quit inviting him over and we were so grateful. Heavenly Father has always watched over Christopher's gentle spirit. Christopher has a soft spot for the "under-dog" and is such a loyal friend.

Colin in this picture is of course graduating from high school. Colin was able to graduate with several of the highest honors at KHS. He had one of the highest ACT scores; he had honor roll grades for all semesters and his GPA was among the top 2% in his class. Colin received a small local scholarship that touched me deeply. A family that had lost a mother and two daughters in a automobile accident several years ago established a scholarship in their honor. You could tell from the way the audience reacted that this family was well-loved here in Kearney. I was so honored that the family would pick Colin for this scholarship. I was crying even before they announced Colin's name. Colin worked hard at school. He also held down a part-time job at Papa Murphy's pizza and was involved in several clubs at school. He received his Eagle scout award during his high school years. Colin really treasures the time he spent at leadership camps and being selected as the KHS student to go to "Boys State." What great memories he will have!

Colin was able to stay strong in church and gain a strong testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

__________________________

Alvaro and me, Cottonmill April 2010

I just wanted to write about my Colombian students for a minute. This year UNK had a program where many of the Colombian police people could come and better their English skills and then receive promotions with the Colombian police!

It was one of the best things that has ever happened. I have to say that enjoyed every minute of getting to know these students. Colombians could teach the world a lot about how to live and how to see the world. I have never meet an unhappy Colombian. They are happy and positive. They want everyone to enjoy life and they find a way to make a party out of each minute. I love that. Every class was a joy and I found myself doing my best because of them. NICE! At the end of the semester I was so sad to say "good-bye" to many of them. I hope and pray that our paths will cross again. These students were also so nice to invite all of the teachers out to a huge barb-be-que at Cottonmill. Talk about a party! We ate excellent food, we talked, we laughed, we danced and we played. It was amazing!

One of the highlights of my life is the blessing I feel everyday as I go to a "job that allows me to experience so much joy! I have always loved teaching. I get a "high"standing in front of a classroom and sharing with them knowledge. I love those "A-ha" moments you get when students do something they didn't know they could. Teaching is such a privilege. I am so grateful for each day in the classroom and most of all for my days as a mother to four wonderful children. Life is good!

One Year Later....

2010-06-01T08:37:00.006-05:00

Colin's senior picture--August 2009-10

Hello again! Yes, it's already been one year since my last blog. Can you believe it? Time flies when you get caught up in "life" or you choose to communicate with family and friends on Facebook instead of blogging. I've missed my blogging friends. I've missed sharing parts of my life that seem so important and yet, I guess not important enough to take the time to record somewhere.

It seems that now I have a high school graduate. Yes, Colin graduated from high school a few weeks ago and is madly working at a "cheese factory" all summer to earn money for college. After some very serious offers from some great universities, Colin felt that he should attend BYU-Provo. Yes, he is going to BYU! He is very excited and we couldn't be more excited for him as well. He will do great at whatever he pursues. Colin will attend one semester of school and then serve a two-year mission for the LDS church. What a great opportunity and what a great chance for Colin to strengthen his already strong testimony of Jesus Christ. Oh the places he will go...

I had the chance last summer to travel to China. Again, I am so sorry not to have recorded all the fun I had there. What an amazing trip! I taught at Shandong University in Weihei. What a wonderful town! I just chalk it up to another wonderful life experience! The Lord blesses my life so much in all that I have ever aimed to achieve.

Daren continues to teach at UNK. He also serves as the director of General Studies. This has been a pretty big undertaking for his committee and for him. They have changed a general studies program for the better and it has not been an easy task. I have been surprised by some of people in the academic world. I guess some of the real surprises have been some of Daren's closest friends and their lack of support. Oh well! Daren has done an amazing job in being professional on every level. Daren is a man of integrity and hard work. He has maintained calmness in every situation and I can hardly walk across campus where I don't hear someone telling me what an amazing person he is. I appreciate those comments and I am so excited to share them with him. Daren doesn't really get a lot of feedback and it's nice to be the bearer of nice messages.

Christopher continues to amaze us all. He has had a great year as a freshman in high school. He has had some rough times with friends, but he has risen above the temptations and become a much stronger young man. Christopher is really learning how to be his own person. He is an amazing musician. He went to a State Teachers exhibition and played in a Percussion Ensemble. What a great achievement for him. Daren, Colin and Chris traveled to New Orleans, where the Kearney High Band played in the Sugar Bowl. What a great time for the three of them!

Laura had a good year. She is still a fighter. She struggled with some things at school but I think she is much more ready for fifth grade and all that she needs to do next year. Laura struggles to be smart and to hang with the "jocks." She wants to do both, but she hasn't found that middle ground yet. She has a group of the most wonderful friends at school. She, Annie, Emma and Paige have been good friends since kindergarten and it has been so fun to see them grow up and continue to be friends. They do an act every year together in the school talent show and it is always amazing! Laura lost two good friends this year. Her good friend at church, Kate Loveless moved to Ft. Smith, Arkansas and her other good friend, Maeson Dewey, moved down to Plainsville, Kansas. Over all I think Laura is an amazing girl. She is kind, patient and sweet. She is always doing the right thing.

Cameron is a story all by himself. He continues to teach me about patience and how to be a better parent. I have been more humbled by him than the other three kids put together.

Cameron is extremely smart. He gets math facts as quick as can be. He gets 100% on his spelling tests and is usually found doing what he should at school. At home, he can be difficult and hard to handle. He pushes boundaries and negotiates on most everything he can. He has a best friend that lives next door and that really helps for him to have a friend to play with. Cameron learned to overcome some fears this year. Swimming is a favorite of his. When he wants to do something he just teaches himself. He doesn't have time to wait for someone to teach him.

I have had a pretty good year. I traveled to China, spent three weeks in Utah and had the chance of a life time to see my Aunt Madge and Uncle Dick. I haven't seen them in over 25 years. While Daren took the older boys to New Orleans, I took the two little ones and drove down to Glenwood, AR. It was only a few hours, but it did me a world of good. It was one of the things I listed on my "100 things in 1000 days" list. My Aunt Madge is my dad's only sibling and the first member of our family to join the LDS Church. I loved being able to show her my life and see all the things she has accomplished in her life. Even at almost 90, she and my uncle "race walk" everyday at the local YMCA. They are champions in their age categories. WOW!

My job at UNK continues to be so rewarding. We had some amazing students this year. The Colombian police people were amazing! What a great culture. They are always happy and bring joy to any situation. They are "team" players and want everyone to succeed, not just themselves. Such a nice way to view life. I also lost a student this year. He was murdered in Mexico while trying to visit his family. He leaves behind a young widow. She is amazing person. So hard to re-think your life and your life's dreams at 24 years old.

As always, church continues to be a big struggle for me. I know the gospel is true. I have a strong testimony. My time in Kearney has been difficult. I love being over seminary and institute. I have enjoyed teaching institute for the last two years as well. I think the future here in the cornfields is going to be great. We are working on being able to offer seminary to every youth no matter where they live. We are trying to start some video conferences with students from their homes so that they can attend seminary even if they live to far from the ward building. I think if will have some amazing results. I am praying that the Lord will bless us in our efforts. I was so sad this year to learn of the number of youth not attending church and the low numbers of youth who are staying active.

I have had some strong personal experiences that have helped me in my discovery of who I really want to be. I continue to struggle with my weight and getting myself on a daily exercise program. Colin is a great workout partner and he and I have shared some great times at the YMCA. I just need to kick myself in the fannie and get it done. I am getting older and it will only get harder. :)

My extended family continues on. My oldest brother and his family have gotten into a routine helping with the care of my niece's family. Joseph is a year old now. Can it really be a year since his mother died? My mom is living in LA. She is in between missions and trying to figure out what she wants from life. She is five years out from my father's death and still unsure of the road she should take. I struggle daily with my relationship with her. I continue to pray for the ability to say and do the right things for her. My other two brothers have not kept in contact. I pray for them. I really do! Daren's family seems more like family to me. I love each one of them and they include me in so much and I really LOVE that! It will be fun to see many of them this summer.

The summer is starting off cold and wet. We are still waiting to plant our little garden. We are working on our yard this summer. Laura and I are planting lots of flowers and trying our hands at some new things.

Each summer Daren challenges the kids to a "great piano" challenge. They also have some great contests going with me. We have set up a work time from 8-10 AM everyday. We get piano, chores, breakfast, dressing, reading, math and spelling in in that time. Then we have the rest of the day to play. I love it. It takes some doing, but I don't mind the doing. It will pay off!

So there you have it. One year of no blogging and me trying to write something so that a few of those amazing times won't be lost. I want to do better. I love blogging and sharing and learning. I have made a deal with myself to get back to the "blogging world." I hope I can keep up!

See you around this summer!

Where I've been and a BIG THOUGHT!

2009-06-03T10:21:00.002-05:00

Seems I have been away longer than I expected! Sorry loyal blog readers! I keep asking myself where May went. I really don't know. This much I do know...on Thursday, May 7th, 2009, my sweet 27 year old niece died giving birth to her fifth child. She leaves behind twin girls, who are 6 and three little boys, ages 4, 2 and a newborn. Yes, Baby Joseph Ryan survived. He is doing well. He had a hard week last week, but we will see. Because I have such a wonderful husband and some pretty awesome children, I was able to leave immediately and go to Ohio to help in any way that I could! (I don't think I did much, but I tried.)

My niece was the the only daughter of my oldest brother, Richard and his wife Barbara. I was there when she was born. I remember driving my sister-in-law to the hospital in the middle of the night, with three older brothers curled up in the back seat of the VW Bus. We were to drive 2 hours to the Air Force hospital but didn't even make it to the English hospital around the corner. I left my sister-in-law on the curb and drove home. That was so hard, but we didn't know what else to do. Who would have stayed with my three little nephews?

I guess what has been the hardest for me, and for my family, is that this is the second child my brother has buried. Twelve years ago, my 15 year old nephew was killed in a car accident. To see my brother and sister-in-law and the pain that they carry is difficult to say the least. They are amazing people! I have stood in awe of them many times as they have faced some very difficult times in their lives. They have always risen to the occasion. This was a time that was very difficult for them.

*One bright moment for me came as I attended church with my four little nieces and nephews and my brother and sister-in-law and my niece's husband and some of his family. At the beginning of church all of the family and children were on the row in front of me in church. By the end of the church meeting, I had all four children on my lap. Such a sweet moment for me! I received more than I could have possible given them in the time. :) Life can be bitter sweet!

So for the last month...that is where I have been. I hope to get back to regular, everyday blogging. I miss my friends. I miss my time of writing my thoughts everyday! And so I share with you the following:

________________________-from the blog "Light Refreshments Served"

Disabled

Emily
May 31st, 2009
burdens or blessings? handicaps
I missed our ward’s sacrament meeting today, as I do approximately every third week because that’s how often our turn comes up to spend the weekend with my husband’s severely disabled sister, who was born with Down Syndrome. She is not one of those high-functioning Down’s kids who can get on a bus and have a little job and participate at least somewhat in real life. She understands a little, talks even less, and basically eats, sleeps, and enjoys car rides and going to the swings. Her mother, sole caregiver, died a year ago February, and my husband’s magnificent sister-in-law stepped in, quitting her job and taking the weekday shift to care for this girl in the mother’s home every single week. The rest of us trade off on weekends. This was to be our temporary solution until a suitable group home could be found, but with funding for such things pretty much dried up in today’s economy, we’re realizing that may never happen. So we do the best we can and carry on.
Because I teach Gospel Doctrine, when it’s our weekend, I take the early morning shift and then my husband rushes over right after sacrament meeting so I can dash out and teach Sunday School. Then I generally attend a later ward’s sacrament meeting long enough to partake of the ordinance.
And that’s how it went today. Except today I got a little verbose in Sunday School and we didn’t get out in time for me to get to the 11:00 ward’s sacrament meeting, so I went back over at 1:00, to a ward I hadn’t attended before. It’s one of those wards in which the youth program is small, and there was only one Aaronic Priesthood kid helping; the rest were elders and high priests. I realized from watching him that he too was suffering from some sort of disability. But not until they said the prayer on the water did I get the severity of it. An older man (I’m assuming it was his dad) knelt beside him and whispered the words in his ear, and he repeated them in that kind of blunt voice that is characteristic of kids with Down’s or other similar problems. I wouldn’t have understood his words, but as he said them I knew that Heavenly Father did.
It was a sweet experience. I thought, “This is a young man who probably didn’t even need to be baptized, much less ordained, but someone recognized the worth of what he could give, limited though it might be, and gave him the chance to give it.” All our lives were blessed by that decision, by what that boy brought to the table with him in a pure and undefiled spirit.
THAT thought took me back about 15 years to the one year I went to girls’ camp as a leader. We had a disabled girl in our group who suffered with both physical and mental challenges, but her mom was coming to camp and they decided she could come too. It was so precious to have her there. No one could be catty or mad at each other; the usual squabbles disappeared in the innocence of her concerned, “Don’t be sad. I love you.” I was especially moved when one of the girls, seeing that we might not be able to take this girl on our “flashlight hike” devotional, hoisted her onto her back and carried her the whole way. Our entire camp was blessed that year because of the girl who might have been seen as a “bother.”
And that brings me full circle to my husband’s sister. Is she a “bother,” or is she the catalyst that has allowed her brothers and sisters to continue to work together, to sacrifice together, to unite in a common goal? She is nearly 40 years old–a long life for one with her condition. Could her lingering here in mortality actually be a sacrifice she was willing to make for us, to help us learn things and gain experiences we could not have gotten any other way? I don’t know how that works, exactly, but I DO know this: Her life counts.
And our responses to her life count. The willingness of her siblings to defer their own inheritance (they will not sell her mother’s house until their sister no longer needs it) and a significant portion of their own lives to see her safely through–it may end up counting more than they know. It’s about as close to doing it “unto the least of these” as it gets, and the Lord is pretty clear on how He feels about that.
I look forward to meeting my little sister-in-law someday on the other side of the veil. I expect her spirit is quite magnificent. I hope I’ll be worthy to look her in the eye, unashamed of how I treated her here, and thank her for what she brought to our family. Her burden was our blessing, I’ll tell her. A sweet young priest reminded me of that today. I hope I’ll remember it always.

FREE GRILL AND GRILLING TIPS--This is funny!

2009-04-23T14:43:00.003-05:00

I got this in an e-mail today! It is so funny! Enjoy!

FREE GRILL AND GRILLING TIPS:
As every Southerner knows, come spring it will be time to get ready for that all-important cooking technique of the south...outdoor grilling! Great for those weekends at the lake!I have just found out there are several stores where you can get a FREE Bar-B-Q grill! In these hard economic times that is sure to excite everybody!

You can get a free BBQ grill from any of the following stores:
A&P
Albertsons
Bi-Lo
Costco
Food Lion
Fry's
HEB
Home Depot
Ingles
Big Lots
Bloom
Brookshire's
Lowes
Piggly Wiggly
Publix
Sam's Club
Target
Vons
Trader Joe's
Wal-Mart
Winn-DixieI especially like the higher rack...which can be used for keeping things warm!And look at those bread warmers.how handy is that!!??

Just make sure to get a metal one instead of the plastic variety if you have a choice...the plastic ones don't do so well. Happy Grilling and y'all enjoy now!

Update on 101 things in 1001 days!

2009-04-17T21:19:00.002-05:00

*It has been brought to my attention that I missed one very important event on my "101 things in 1001 days" list.--My dear friend Katy Hall's wedding.

I HEREBY PROMISE THAT NO MATTER WHERE I AM or WHAT I AM DOING, I WILL ATTEND KATY HALL'S WEDDING!

With that said, I don't know if I will attend this wedding in the next 1001 days but it is defiantly on the list! I've got my dress all picked out!

Facebook Has Taken Over My Life!

2009-04-16T10:31:00.002-05:00

You would think that I wouldn't so easily succumb to something like facebook...but I have. So much easier to get on there and post a one line sentence about how life is going, check out and see how a few--almost a 1,000--friends are doing, and log off. So much more simpler than having to write a blog post, add some pictures, spell-check and ....you know what I'm talking about. So I have for the last month just pretty much ignored my blog. Poor blog! Last night my sister-in-law, Julie asked if people blog anymore...well, some people do.

Here is a little story I "borrowed" from a blog I read. Its about the importance of "thank-you" notes. I love to send and to receive them. I feel quite strongly about acknowledging things that people do for you. I feel quite strongly that my children will also have this habit. I hope I am winning the battle!

Enjoy!

"A woman who was experiencing some serious trials in life had decided to end her own life. She had her plan all set to write a suicide note and then take a bottle of pills. As she opened her nightstand drawer to pull out a pen and paper, she happened onto a stack of thank you notes. She'd saved every one she'd ever received and the drawer was their home. She picked up one of the thank you cards that had been written to her months before, "Thank you for the lovely dinner you brought in..." and then another, "Thanks for being such a great friend. Your dinner was lovely..." and then another and another and another. As she sat there on her bedside reading the many, many kind words said by others, appreciating her kind acts over the years, acknowledging her goodness, she was overcome with joy and peace. After an hour or so, she completely abandoned her original idea of taking her own life and was ready to go out and face the world again."

So, thank you! And I believe...Spring is just around the corner! I think! :)

List of 101 Things in 1001 Days--FINALLY!

2009-03-19T22:04:00.002-05:00

List of 101 Things in 1001 Days

These goals run from March 10, 2009 through December 5, 2011

During this time these events will happen in our family:
I will celebrate my 47, 48, 49 birthdays
Daren will celebrate his 45, 46 birthdays
Daren and I will celebrate our 19, 20, and 21 wedding anniversaries
Colin will turn 18, 19, and 20 years old. He will leave on a mission, and got to college
Christopher will turn 14, 15, and 16 years old. He will get his driver’s license, start high school and start group dating and start attending church dances
Laura will turn 10, 11 and almost 12 years old. She will start middle school, and Young Women’s at church
Cameron will turn 7 and 8 years old during this time. He will be baptized and start cub scouts.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell said: “The Lord loves each of us too much to merely let us go on being what we now are, for he knows what we have the possibility to become!”

Family
1. Paint Laura’s Room
2. Paint the Boys Room
3. Paint the Master Bedroom
4. Re-do the Master Bathroom
5. Use Computer Software to track family spending $
6. Read to Cameron 15 minutes everyday
7. Get Laura/Chris motivated to practice the piano. Cameron starts piano lessons.
8. Adopt a Family for one year for Christmas
9. Try one new food storage recipe a month
10. Put in Flower bed trim-“Curb-It”
11. Go to Coco-Keys or a new Water Park as a family
12. Help prepare Colin for his mission and college
13. Write the missionaries twice a month
14. Get Cameron ready for Cub Scouts-Community Pack
15. Get Cameron ready for baptism
16. Get Laura ready for Middle School—have Laura finish her “Faith in God” award
17. Start and finish working on our yard/landscape
18. Make a family room downstairs
19. Have a successful High School graduation party for Colin
20. Go on a vacation with Laura and Cameron to Disneyland
21. Celebrate each birthday of the family
22. Attend TOFW twice
23. Buy food storage items every month for March 2009-December 2011
24. Plant a garden
25. Take down the pine trees
26. Take a family picture
27. Have an adult dinner party at our house for a few couples in the ward
28. Create a crafting group for a few close friends
29. Have another family over for dinner 6 times
30. Help Christopher finish his Eagle Scout award
31. Visit Mt. Rushmore
32. Start and maintain a small “cash reserve”
33. Go to lunch with Utah friends
34. Keep a cleaner, more organized home
35. Prepare dinner at least five (5) nights a week
36. Take a family vacation before Colin graduates from high school
37. Keep an updated will
38. Take the kids on a bike ride to Ft. Kearney
39. Take more pictures
40. Write a family update and e-mail or blog in to our family on a monthly basis
41. Remember to call and send out birthday cards to all of our extended family members and friends
42. Update my blog weekly in order to keep in touch with our out of town family and friends
43. Get Christopher his driver’s license—teach him how to drive

Spiritual
1. Read the Book of Mormon
2. Read the Doctrine and Covenants
3. Develop a habit of regular personal scripture study
4. Begin to keep a journal on a weekly basis—this could be blogging as well
5. Have FHE on a weekly basis
6. Attend the Temple 15 times
7. Find out what a broken heart and a contrite spirit really are
8. Read my Patriarchal Blessing weekly
9. Take online “Web-inar’s” from Deseret Book
10. Read each General Conference edition of the Ensign before the next General Conference

Professional/Career
1. Enroll in a Master’s program
2. Create a notebook for each class I teach
3. Attend one Conference for ELI
4. Submit a proposal for a professional conference
5. Make each of my classes more exciting and organized
6. Buy and learn Class Action grading program
7. Teach one new class I have never taught
8. Make a blog for my student to use

Personal
1. Give up drinking SODA
2. Be a “soft-spoken” wife and mother and person
3. Can or Bottle at least 4-dozen bottles of something-fruit, sauce
4. Travel to Asia
5. Run a ½ marathon
6. Buy a new card for Daren and I
7. Have a the house ½ paid off
8. Have student’s loans ½ paid off
9. Be out of debt except for student’s loans and house
10. Walk one hour five days a week
11. Go to St. George twice
12. Go visit my Aunt Madge
13. Create a Tickler file
14. Organize the letters from my mission
15. Take a trip with only Daren
16. Stop yelling
17. Give blood
18. Send thank you notes to people who do nice things
19. Purchase a BOSCH for the kitchen
20. Have a holiday party in 2009 or 2010
21. Attend Relief Society on a regular basis
22. Implement a “healthy living” diet
23. Read one book a month—pleasure reading
24. Make a quilt
25. Sew Laura a dress
26. Buy an IPOD Touch—Maybe a Kindle
27. Write a poem
28. Make pillowcases for Pioneer Trek
29. Prepare with Colin and Christopher for the Pioneer Trek
30. Practice the piano once a week
31. Be active in one group through UNK Wives Club
32. Ask to a visiting teacher again

Community
1. Be involved in PTO
2. Work on some advisory board or committee for the City of Kearney
3. Be active in KHS Band
4. VOTE in each election
5. Participate in 6 community events
6. Work for “Habitat for Humanity” 10 times
7. Be a part of Good fellow’s for Christmas each year
8. Run for School Board

*I hope I can accomplish many if not most of these goals in the next 1001 days.

2009-03-18T10:11:00.004-05:00

OK--I'm a day late and a dollar short...My blog friend, Marilyn has a little contest going over at her blog. She asked her readers to write limericks for St. Patrick's Day! Well, a few of my friends, my husband and myself decided to get a little clever. Clever or way too much time on our hands. That's what happens when you give us a little spring break!

ENJOY!

There was a young mother in Kearney
Who grew tired of her kids watching Barney.
So she shooed them outside
And ignored how they cried
Saying "Save it. I've heard enough Blarney!"
Ann Snider, March 17, 2009

There once was a girl named Ann Snider

Who had poetry welling inside her.

But to her family’s relief she also cooked beef

Then went on a date with her husband beside her.

David McBride, March 2009

There once was a man named McBride

Who thought he could rhyme if he tried

Hoping not to get panned

He wrote verses to Ann

They were touching so much that she cried.

Daren Snider, March 2009

A YouTube Video--"VALIDATION"

2009-03-15T15:41:00.002-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbk980jV7Ao

A great video that is going around about "VALIDATION." I think it has a great message. We all want to feel like others feel like what we do is worth something.

It takes about 17 minutes and is well-worth your time. Enjoy!

Tara and Belle--An Strange Pair in the Animal Kingdom

2009-03-10T21:35:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0TjfOKnF-c

I think this is such a great statement on friendship!
ENJOY!

I promise to get back to the blogging world very soon!

How Do I Love Thee?

2009-02-20T20:01:00.003-06:00

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, An Apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recently posted this great video entitled "How Do I Love Thee" on youtube. I hope you will watch it! It has a wonderful message no matter where or what you are doing in your life.
ENJOY!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM3mlgLAlMs

Friday Afternoon Fun!

2009-02-13T13:58:00.002-06:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! A LITTLE CONTEST!

(from Sophia Corbridge's blog: http://sophiacorbridge.typepad.com/sentimentsbysophia)

Friday afternoon fun!

So, here's the deal: Something just for you especially from me! The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you.

1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!

2- What I create will be just for you.

3- It'll be done this year. (might be a little while)

4- You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a story. It may be poetry or an article on properly cleaning your face before a masque. I may draw or paint something. I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you,that's for sure!

5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange. (I would have to add that I reserve the right to take six extra months in getting to the post office to get it mailed. But, you will get it eventually.)

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same prize to the first 5 people who post on your blog. The first 5 people to repost and leave a comment telling me they did win an AWESOME homemade gift by yours truly!

So Pretty--Thoughts from Merrilee Browne Boyack

2009-02-12T09:18:00.003-06:00

Seems like my blog lately has been "other people's words" to describe some of my own feelings. I would like to share with you a column written over on TOFW by one of my favorites, Merrilee Boyack. She is an amazing woman!

*You can read my "other" comments at the end.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
So Pretty!
by Merrilee Browne Boyack
February 02, 2009
Over the years, I have sung that song from “West Side Story”—“I feel pretty, oh so pretty!” and have laughed. I felt anything BUT pretty. I have spent my entire lifetime feeling unattractive.
To be truthful, I was somewhat taught that I was not pretty. I could share a litany of comments from various people in my life: “You’ll never be beautiful so work on your personality.” “Your friend is pretty and you are smart. That’s just the way it is.” And one of my personal favorites when I was considering serving a mission as a young adult: “You’re not ugly enough to go on a mission.” Ugly? Enough? Uh, OK . . . . .

So you can imagine how I felt when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and told that I had to have a mastectomy. You’ve GOT to be kidding me. Wasn’t I ugly enough? The thought of losing my hair, which I felt was my one saving grace, hit me. I shall never forget the day when I was on my prayer/walk and I realized that by the end of the month I would be bald. Bald. Ugly. Could I survive all this emotionally?

On that day I prayed to Heavenly Father and asked for a gift. I asked for the gift of healing of my feelings about my appearance. Now don’t worry, I’d been praying for complete healing for a while. But I knew this was not something I could survive very well emotionally on my own. And I was tired of feeling ugly for 50 years of my life. I wanted healing. And I knew the only way to get it was to get it from God. So I asked.

Now a strange thing began to happen. Day after day I felt prettier. I know that is very strange and hard to explain. It just did. I began to notice things about myself that I liked and were attractive.

And then came the day to face the mirror after my surgery. The bandages were off. And you know what, it was OK. It was different, but it was OK. I knew that I would have reconstruction eventually and it was fine. And look at my wonderful body! It was a miracle!

Next came the day when my hair was going. It was really falling out and I called my son and asked if he would come buzz it off. Sweet Brennan came home on his lunch hour. I buzzed his hair, and then he buzzed mine. As he was buzzing it, he commented, “It’s not every day you get to buzz off your mother’s hair!” All too true. When it was done, we took pictures and he said I now looked like one of the Boyack brothers (we have four sons who have had many “buzzes” in their lifetimes). I then went in the shower and shaved it all off to the skin.

And then came the time to face the mirror. And an amazing thing happened. I looked in that mirror and saw beauty. My eyes that I had always hated were shining. My skin was glowing. I had a good head! And a big smile. I realized that I was truly beautiful. Positively gorgeous.
I told my husband that I have felt more beautiful in the last two months than I have ever felt in my life. He laughed and said it must have been the hair!

But I know that something deeper has happened. God has healed my feelings about my appearance. I have finally been able to see myself as He sees me—a marvelous work of art. And the voices that I have carried in my head for decades have been completely silenced. It was a gift from Him –pure and simple.

I have learned a deep lesson. God creates beauty. It is that simple. And when He created me, He created a lovely, pretty, down-right-CUTE daughter. I have also realized that every single one of us is beautiful. Yeah, yeah, we have inner beauty. But I have discovered that every single one of us in all our shapes and sizes and ages and conditions, are truly beautiful on the outside. That was something I had not understood until now.

God creates beauty. God created me. And He did a good job.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*I love these words. I know that God made a beauty when he made me. I sometimes let others control how I am feeling and thinking about who I really am. I know that I have many talents to share with others. One of these talents is the gift of charity. I love to be able to serve others and give to them. It's just who I am. I love to be able to see a need and fill it. In doing this it sometimes appears to others that I am a gossipy, nosey and controlling person. I am sorry that it appears that way. First of all, I know lots of people! I love people. I have lots of friends. I enjoy people and I love knowing more about the person who cleans my office, packs my groceries at the store or who serves me my dinner at a restaurant. People make me happy! I love to serve others! I know I am a beautiful person in God's eyes and that all that matters! By serving others I am able to forget myself and use the talents that God has given me.

So to all of you, "Happy Valentines! I love you! "

Wisdom for A Wednesday

2009-02-11T08:22:00.000-06:00

“I have never met a person whose greatest need was anything other than real, unconditional love. You can find it in a simple act of kindness toward someone who needs help. There is no mistaking love...it is the common fiber of life, the flame that heats our soul, energizes our spirit and supplies passion to our lives.”
—Elisabeth Kubler-Ross (1926-2004); psychiatrist, educator

Thoughts For a Tuesday!

2009-02-10T14:49:00.006-06:00

Recently Sister Julie Beck, General Relief Society President for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints visited Central California. A General RS president of the church had not visited this area of the church for more than 50 years.

During some training meetings where Sister Beck spoke, she shared the following point that I wanted to also record on my blog. She talked about how she manages her day and uses her time. She shared with the audience the following:

"Sister Beck said she learned how to prioritize her time as a wife and mother while observing her father-in-law, a steel worker who at various times in his career worked the day, evening or night shift. She said she realized she was working all three shifts simultaneously, and she had to prioritize the demands on her so she could provide the service her family most needed."

"The most valuable time of the day for a family," Sister Beck said, "is the afternoon/evening shift."

"Be at the top of your game on swing shift," she said. "People are hungry, people are teachable. You feed them; that's when you serve them the most. Plan for swing shift, and then work the rest of your day around that."

The swing shift from what I know is the 3:00-12:00 PM shift of the day. For me that's one of the hardest times of the day. This is the time of day when all of my family is coming home from school and work. They have homework and piano practicing. They are hungry and cranky. They want to have playtime and my time. They need to do their chores and help get dinner on the table. There are evening activities and meetings. There are showers and baths. This is such a critical time in any family. I personally find that my children and my husband need me the most during the swing shift. I also find that I am not always as on top of my game as I should be.

Sister Beck's advice is helping to rethink my day and prioritize my day and all that I want to accomplish. This advice is helping me to make sure that the other things in life don't take over this time of day so that I can be available to all that needs to happen on the "third shift."

CONSECRATION

2009-02-06T11:30:00.002-06:00

For the last week or so I have been doing some "REAL" soul-searching. I mean digging deep into the areas and corners of my life that sometimes I would rather choose not to visit-at least not very often. It' s painful. It's hard. It makes me sad. It makes me want to work harder. It gives me perspective and it helps me see where I've come and where I really want to be.

I don't recommend it too often. Many times when this happens to me, I am not given the chance to choose if it will happen or not. It's just there. This soul-searching exercise just staring me in the face and not letting me off-the-hook!

I think I am at a better place then I was five days ago. I hope I am. The Lord has put some wonderful experiences in my path this week that have allowed me to feel the Holy Ghost and to feel of his love for me. One of those moments was this morning when I was browsing a favorite blog and came across the following post. It made such an impact on me that I wanted to share. The blog is called: http://lightrefreshmentsserved.com/

I was reminded about life and how fragile it is and what I should be doing with all the talents God has given me. I hope you will be able to use some of these thoughts as well.

~Ann

____________________________________

CONSECRATION
Lisa
February 3rd, 2009
Last night was the end of the auctioning for Nie, my sister in-law and her family. As Courtney, my other sister in-law stated, “The next phase of recovery is going to be long and difficult, but we are blessed to even have a recovery.” Stephanie is committed to long, painful physical therapy and wants to give back to the people who have helped her. This is the next phase.

The concert last night was the brain child of singer Mindy Gledhill and it morphed into a hugh event that included hundreds of donated items from talented people, organizers, volunteers, and musicians including Kendra Lowe, Ryan Shupe, and David Osmond. The Thrillionaires performed, two short improv musicals, too. I was touched that my fellow performers volunteered to do it but I was unsure if I could. Not because I didn’t want to, but because I cry easily (Hi Rachel!) and I didn’t want to ruin the fun of what we do (Basically, we make stuff up). You know the lady in your ward who starts crying as soon as she gets up to bear her testimony in church with the funny “cry-voice”? Yeah, that’s me. But I perform and I’m glad I did and it was fun. Like so many things in my life I second guess and over analyze, after all is said and done, I’m glad I went out of my comfort zone and did it instead of thought about it.

The image that I keep referring to over and over again in my mind today as I review the concert, is the display table of items in the hall for silent auction. It was amazing. There were oil paintings, gift certificates, jewelry, crocheted hats, and aprons. I recognized a collection of authenticated Hollywood memorabilia from my friend’s collector parents worth thousands. The site of it all, and more importantly, the feeling behind each carefully made, tagged, and well-placed item was really overwhelming. It reminded me that we all have something significant to offer one another. We all have a place at the table and our talents, no matter how seemingly small or weird (you know, I make up stuff), is acceptable.

It reminds me of how Topher and I were in a Sunday School class in an old ward years ago (I think I’ve already shared this story, sorry), and someone made a well-intentioned comment about how during these last, difficult days, we need to focus on professions that can help our fellow man in real, physical ways like plumbing, carpentry, and mechanics. Topher and I laughed (I think I actually snorted, unintentionally) because at the time he was getting a Master’s in Shakespeare. Topher whispered something to me like “Oh great, I’m sitting here wasting thousands studying the dead Bard! Now what?!” Later as we talked about it, he said, and I still agree with him, “You know, say what you will, but if there’s a disaster and people are chewing their stored wheat, they’re going to want to be entertained! The Mormon Pioneers performed Shakespeare along the trail, after all. ” Usually the talents and intentions of others are silently collected, in bits and pieces, as the full scale of a tragedy or need unfolds. And here, at the auction last night, they were laid out in physical sight. And they were all so different.

I am becoming more and more aware of the offerings people have given me, especially in the two years, that have made a meaningful impact in my life. I recognize the obscure gifts more and more because they seem more important to me now maybe because they seem more authentic. I don’t focus anymore on what I can’t offer (sewing things, large sums of money, jewelry making, teaching aerobics, etc.), but what I can. Even if that means walking on a stage and making up dialogue about baskets of muffins or singing a song about closure or poison (the act of, not the band).

FILL-IN FRIDAY!

2009-01-30T11:55:00.001-06:00

Fill-in Friday is my kind of meme!

And...here we go!

1. I'd really like _____ right now. (A POUND OF SEE’S CANDY and my landscaping all done!)

2. _____ is the word you'd most often hear me say if I stubbed my toe.(Since I NEVER SWEAR, you would probably hear me say”OOOUUCCCCCHHHHHHHH!!!!!!)

3. Possession is _____. (EVERYTHING!)

4. _____ Captain Jack Sparrow. (I wish I really liked)

5. Marshmallows and fire go together like _____. (BEACH SAND AND A HOT DOG GRILLED OVER THE OPEN BONFIRE!)

6. _____ on and on. (MARILYN’S BIRTHDAY GOES)

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _____, tomorrow my plans include _____ and Sunday, I want to _____! (SEEING RACHAEL SWIM; UPWARD BASKETBALL; GO TO HOLDREGE AND HAVE A QUIET SUNDAY AFTERNOON NAP!)

A MONDAY MORNING MADNESS MEME!

2009-01-26T11:55:00.001-06:00

I want to start out on this lovely Monday morning with the following: A little “MEME” history. The word is "meme". It's pronounced "meeeeeem" with the long e sound. Not me-me. The definition is [noun]. A unit of cultural information, such as a cultural practice or idea, that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another. I just thought I'd share since everyone always follows the word with a conversation that begins with "How do you say that word?" or "What exactly is a meme?"

A MONDAY MEME!
One thing I won’t let my husband buy me…..craft supplies. On the other hand, he has pretty good taste in books so I always love it when he shares a good title with me.

One thing I would love to have, but I probably will never have……..a boat. I grew up on or near the water. I love everything water. I love sailing. I love water skiing. I love house boating. I love the water. We don’t live so near that much water and so having a boat isn’t on the priority list.

One thing you will never find in my closet…………big, pink, fluffy slippers. I am not a slipper wearer. I’m bare feet all the way.

One thing I would choose if I were having elective surgery………I would have a tummy-tuck. I really would like to have my flat stomach back again.

One thing I love about my face………..my now straight teeth and smile. Love it!

One thing that I would love to do………..add on one more bedroom to our house and push out the wall in the master bedroom and bath to make a “master suite.”

One thing I would like to change if I could…I would change some of the events that have happened since I have moved to Kearney. I think I have much more wisdom and am just more controlled in my life than I was nine years ago. “Oh, the wisdom of the past.”

One thing I would change as a mom………..I would just have fun with my children more and also teach them to have a stronger testimony of the gospel. I would pray with them more and teach the doctrines of the gospel to them more.

One thing I would do if I had unlimited money………..I would just “serve” everyone around me. I would build more “Habitat for Humanity” houses. O would make it my mission to have all children in the world know how to read. BOOKS! BOOKS! BOOKS!

One thing I that I will not do again……….get married. I plan on being with Daren for a very, very long time. Eternity if I get my way.

One thing that I would like to do……….go back to Italy and take along some great friends to share it with.

One thing I could do without……………liver, physical pain and wasted energy on things we can’t change.

One thing I love to smell……fresh baked bread; the inside of a “See’s Candy” store; babies after they have had a bath.

One thing I would do if I won the lottery……..That probably won’t happen because I don’t plan on buying a lottery ticket.

One thing that infuriates me.....my word when they come out wrong. My actions when they could have been better.

One thing that I love about winter………..I will be thinking about this one for a very long time. YOU KNOW I DON’T LIKE WINTER!

One thing I am addicted to ………..Facebook; blogging; taking pictures of my family and friends; buying fabric and paper.

One thing I pray for………….for my kids. I also pray that Daren’s job won’t be cut at the University. It’s not looking for good for higher education in Nebraska. Let’s just pray that $ situations change.

One thing I wish I had………our house and our student loans paid off.

One thing I would do again, regardless of the pain…give birth to my wonderful children. Graduate from college.

One thing that I absolutely hate to do………run errands. Keep the paper trail under control at my house. *LOAD THE DISHWASHER.

One thing that is weird about me………..I like to have a very clean car. I know that isn’t all that weird but I really consider my car a very little bit of heaven. I spend so much time in the car that I need it to be a fun place to be.

One thing that I need help on…….carrying groceries in the house after a big shop.

One thing I find most relaxing………..A massage or pedicure by Daren or one of the kids. NICE!

One thing that could get me in trouble………having too much free-time. The busier I am the better.

One thing that annoys me...when my children don’t flush the toilet. Also socks in the dirty clothes that are not turned inside out.

One thing I dread; therefore, don’t do very often……..going in for my supposedly “yearly” exams. I really don’t like going to the doctors. I especially don’t like having someone weigh me. I need to change that this year.

One thing that I have learned, but still sometimes forget……take 24 hours to think over an action before you do it. It will surprise you what that 24 hours will save you in the long run.

"Enough" is the Story of the Day

2009-01-23T06:49:00.002-06:00

I was over on "Tip Junkie" yesterday and came across this post. I loved it so much I thought I would share it here and then you, my loyal blog readers, would have something new to read. And secondly, I want to have a copy of this for my own record and my blog seems like a great place to record it!

NOTE: Kearney has been experiencing a "heatwave" of sorts. The whole week has had days of 60 degrees. That is just crazy for January. Now today we are returning to the harsh weather of the prairie. I think the high is suppose to be 16 degrees with 40 mile an hour winds and a big chance of snow. I just keep thinking that I can do anything for 50 more days. If I can make it until the first part of March I am usually in good shape.
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http://fourguysandagal.blogspot.com
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
I wish you enough...and my WORD for 2009
My sister-in-law Angie sent this email (in red) to me a couple of weeks ago and I knew instantly I wanted to post it for New Year's. I wish you enough this upcoming year in 2009...

ENOUGH

Recently, I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure. Standing near the security gate, they hugged, and the mother said, "I love you, and I wish you enough."The daughter replied, "Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom."They kissed, and the daughter left.

The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there, I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy, but she welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?""Yes, I have," I replied. "Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?"

"I am old, and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead, and the reality is - her next trip back will be for my funeral," she said."When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough.' May I ask what that means?"She began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone." She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and she smiled even more. "When we said, 'I wish you enough,' we wanted the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them."

Then, turning toward me, she shared the following as if she were reciting it from memory.

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.
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I hope you all have "ENOUGH" of whatever you desire for 2009. As our Christmas cards say for 2009, I hope you get whatever you are looking for in 2009!

Parenting~!

2009-01-17T09:37:00.003-06:00

Disclaimer~I am not the perfect parent nor do I claim to be. I try not to parent other people's children nor do I claim to be an expert.

Every once in a while as a parent one seems to have a day where they can look back and say: "Wow, I'm not doing too bad of a job as a parent~!" Yesterday just happen to be one of those days and so I want to share.

Many years ago, in my many, many, many conversations with my best friend Dickie, she would tell me how she prayed earnestly everyday to know how to parent each of her children. At that point in my life I was young and very naive about parenting. As my children have grown and I have become more dependant upon the Lord to help me raise four children, I realize how much her advice is what is saving these children from me making a total mess of their lives.

In December I had a chance to drive my mother out to her LDS mission in Salt Lake City, Utah. As I was driving I had lots of time to think and to ponder about my life and what was happening. Of course the relationship with each of my children and my husband weighed heavily on my mind. I have always wanted to be the perfect spouse and the perfect mother for my children. I know! I know! Many of you are saying right now, "That is suicide! You can't be that!" But hear me out. I believe that I can be the perfect spouse and the perfect mother for MY spouse and for MY children. I really do believe that! Anyway, as I was out in Utah being with friends and chatting and sharing about my family I had many thoughts of what I should and shouldn't be doing. These thoughts kept flooding my mind. I really do mean FLOODING! I was away from everything in Kearney and I was able to just think. I was free from the turmoil that sometimes surrounds me and I was in a SAFE environment for 72 hours. Thoughts about Colin, now 17 years old, kept coming to me. I think I must have told Dickie at least 100 times, "I think Colin should quit his part-time job and just concentrate on school" I think she got kind of tired of me talking and discussing it. As I returned home from Utah, I talked to Daren about my feelings and about the impressions I had had. About three days later I was doing a late night run to Wal-Mart for milk when I ran into Colin's teacher, Mrs. Hunnicutt. Colin adores her. She and I were talking about Colin, of course, and I shared with her my impressions about having him quit his part-time job at Papa Murphy's Pizza and how I felt very strongly that he should just concentrate on his school classes. In this conversation with Mrs. Hunnicutt she explained that sometimes with children of Colin's scholastic abilities, they need to have more boundaries set for them then we sometimes realize. She said that sometimes bright and very goal-driven children are just waiting for someone in their lives to tell them "No! You can't do......" WOW! A light bulb went on. Daren and I parent Colin so differently than we do his siblings. Colin needs little or no guidance from Daren or me. He is very disciplined and has known since he was little exactly what he wants from life. He gets up everyday at 5:30 AM with no help from his parents. He attends seminary every morning and more than excels in his studies at school. As a seventh grader his ACT scores were "off-the charts" and he is very honest and obedient. Seriously, I am not bragging. I just stating the facts.

So after this conversation with Colin's teacher and the thoughts and feelings I had had during my trip to Utah, I came home and shared all of it with Daren. We agreed that we would sit Colin down and let him know of our concerns and then let him figure out what was best for him. We gave him the option to quit his part-time job or to let the boss know that he would be available for 5 or less hours a week of work. NO MORE! At first he was a little reluctant to the whole thing because I think he really enjoys the $. Of course he does! He is 17 and $ means freedom for so many things. Although he is very tightly budgeted and spends little or none of his income. Again, this is coming from him, not us.

So now fast forward to January 16. Colin came home from school yesterday after doing mostly homework almost every hour of the day and night for the last two weeks and went on "Power School" to check his grades for AP Calculus. All of a sudden we hear yelling and screaming coming from the computer area. It's Colin jumping up and down over his 96% in AP Calculus. He was thrilled! He now sees that having a little parental guidance from a mother and father who truly love him isn't so bad. I have learned once again (hit me over the head with a brick) that Heavenly Father wants and is so willing to help with our earthly tasks if we will but just ask and follow his directions and inspiration.

Time and time again this week I have seen the Lord's hand in my life as I have turned to him for guidance and have also followed the promptings of the Holy Ghost. In my life I have learned that it isn't always so good so when I have success, I want to share so that maybe I can be the "wise friend" to someone else, just like my friend Dickie was and is for me!

Happy Saturday! It's off to two basketball games for Cameron and Laura, getting ready for a potluck after church tomorrow, cleaning the house, coloring my hair, getting my Sunday school lesson prepared, preparing dinner for 30 Young Single Adults and enjoying a little down time with Daren.

Saturday is a special day! It's the day we get ready for Sunday! And my list is all so long!

A little of this and a little of that!

2009-01-14T11:34:00.002-06:00

I don't really have time for a real blog entry but I wanted to just let everyone know how the Lord has been working miracles in my life and the lives of those around me.

On Saturday night a young man from our ward was in a car accident. This young man fell asleep at the wheel crossed over the middle divide and crashed head-on into another vehicle. He was not wearing his seat belt. The young girl from the other car was taken to the hospital and then released. The young man from our ward was life-flighted yesterday to UNMC in Omaha for surgery today or tomorrow. We are praying for a miracle! The surgery needs to go really,really well for him. I am praying for him. For our family it has been a chance to pull together and serve someone else. What a great blessing!

During this same time I have seen the hand of the Lord in my life every time I want to get discouraged and "run away." On Sunday night, President Monson spoke to the Young Adults of the church from BYU. I decided to go to the broadcast because I teach those Young Adults on Wednesday nights and wanted to take them with me after the broadcast to see our "friend" in the hospital. President Monson did a fabulous job talking to the Young Adults about going to college and getting an education. He was speaking to both the young women and the young men. He said that we are not at the point anymore where we can go in for a job interview and tell the employer that we will be a "hard-worker." President Monson said that just doesn't cut it anymore. He said that we need to go to college and get the best education we can. AMAZING!
I am just going to keep telling everyone that will listen how important a college education really is. It's my job! During the talk I had been saying a silent prayer to myself that something in that talk would just strengthen my testimony and help me to feel my Savior's love for me directly. As President Monson closed his talk he told a story of Brother Cannon and some pictures of a family in Germany. Brother Cannon was going to throw away the pictures and just couldn't so he brought them to President Monson and asked him to take them to Germany and see if anyone knew who they belonged to. This story has been told me before. It's a miracle story. The pictures are of the Matern and Berndt families. Dieter Berndt was my mission president's best friend. I served in the ward where the Matern's lived. That story was important to me. The Lord touched my heart and I felt a strong serge of love come over me. Thank you Presidnet Monson for listening to the spirit and telling that story for me!

One other thing that sticks out to me is a phone call I received as I was walking in the hospital to see our "friend." The principal from my children's school called me to tell me about a meeting she had just come out of. She had done me a big favor by meeting with some city officials. While in this meeting she told me how she had told these men all about me and all about my many talents and what a great person I am. She went on to tell them all that I had to offer for a certain Advisory Board that I have been appointed to. I was just so touched by her kindness and her high opinion of me. I have been smiling all week because of that! Her one act of kindness has really spread over to many other areas of my life. That was an amazing experience.

I am just being reminded daily that although I struggle with some things in my life, the Lord is mindful of me and of my family. He will provide. I have to put all my ducks in a row and make sure I am where I need to be so he can bless me. I know the Lord hears and answers prayers. He is so kind to me.

What Am I Doing RIght Now?

2009-01-09T14:18:00.001-06:00

What Am I Doing Right Now:

Out of my window: Snow everywhere and blowing wind like crazy! I left this morning without checking the weather report. No coat or gloves or …?

I am wearing: Black Jeans—right side out! A white no-iron blouse with a fun black scarf. I have on black socks with my favorite Clark slip-on clogs. So fun! I’m having a great hair day and I love my make-up! And I have on colored contacts. SO FUN!

I am hearing: My co-workers madly working on their syllabus and other beginning of the semester fun stuff.

I am thinking: my poor puppy that needs to be let out of her kennel for a potty break. I am also thinking about the great breakfast I had this morning that has really stuck to my ribs all morning. SOY-Shake and whole wheat toast with crunchy PB! SO GOOD!

I am thankful for: A warm office, a car that runs, my family, a great job, my working body, and my friends and family that make life so worth-it! I’m thankful for facebook and blogging and all the other fun things that allow me to stay in touch with those I love. I’m such a social animal that these things are important to me.

I am creating: a little skirt for Laura and also some little gifts for my co-workers at UNK. I love little surprises!

I am going: to go pick up the kids from school and also help Christopher with the paper route. I need to run home and let Miss Gretchen out of her kennel and get a little lunch.

I am hoping: My Friday evening is spent just loving my family and hanging out!

I am reading: Scriptures and looking for a good new book. I think I will read the “The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck.

Around the house: The house is in pretty good shape. I just need to organize a few more things and get working on all the photos I have. Colin graduates this next year and I need to get his scrapbooks ready.

One of my favorite things: I love a big bowl of fresh popcorn with a big glass of Diet, Caffeine free Dr. Pepper. I love yummy butter on my popcorn and a little salt! I love good Christmas music playing all year long. I find that one of my favorite things is a wonderful candle burring in the house to make everything smell so good.

A few plans for the rest of the week-end: I have a few things I need to get ready for school. IT starts Monday with or without me. I also have I have some things to accomplish this week-end with the kids and also Laura and Cameron have some basketball games on Saturday. Their first games in fact! Should be so fun! Of course there is church on Sunday and we even have a CES broadcast from Utah from President Monson for all YA 18-31! That is so fabulous. I don’t fit in that category anymore but I love being their teacher so I can go!

2009-01-08T20:51:00.001-06:00

I want Wednesday

Recently my niece wrote about her goal to eliminate the “I want” sentences from her life. During 2008 she has focused on not buying “things” to make her happy and to fill her needs. She has done a wonderful job in refocusing her thoughts toward the things she does have. Like Michal said, “The wanting itself isn't wrong, particularly if the something you want is worthwhile.” Today on her blog she spent some time coming up with a list entitled “I want Wednesday.” I have come up with one for myself. Thanks Michal for helping me really focus on what is so important in my life.

So for 2009:
I want my children and husband to know I love them. Deeply and completely. Hopefully they will never have cause to doubt that fact.
I want to instill in my children a desire to please God and to keep His commandments—I want my children to have strong testimonies of their own. I want them to read the scriptures, pray, write in their journals and do all other things I have tried to teach them on their own and not because I make them.
I want my words and actions to reflect the joy I really feel in my life. I love life and I am so thankful that I can wake up everyday and have another chance to do some good in the world. —My little world.
I want to get through the Christmas Season in 2009 and really feel the Savior’s love. I want to come out of the Christmas season with so much love for those around me. I just don’t know if that happened this year.
I want to continue to find balance in my life. I want to see that I am finding time to fit in all the important things, including: scripture study, exercise, serving others, family time, one-on-one time with my kids, date night, relationships with my friends and extended family, reading, learning, family prayer, and . . .I just done reading a great article by President Henry B. Eyring, given May 2001 at a CES Broadcast from BYU-I. Excellent talk about finding balance.
I want to feel the Savior everyday in my life. I want to get to the end of the day and know that I have had some kind of spiritual experience that day.
I want to be debt-free. We are working hard on this one.
I want to be a better person, friend, server, giver, wife, mother, daughter, sister, and teacher.

What do you want?

Snider Family Newsletter for 2008!

2008-12-30T11:15:00.008-06:00

Collage of Snider Children 2008

Christmas Morning 2008!

Collage of Ann and Daren 2008

ENJOY!

We Got What We Wanted in 2008
(A list of 31 things that shows this to be true!)

1. Daren and Ann have four living children. The Nebraska “Safe Haven” Rule was thought about but not used in the Snider home.--just kidding.
2. Daren and Ann traveled to some great “dream” destinations this year. Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, France, Orlando, Salt Lake City, Denver, Council Bluffs, Kansas City, Omaha, Lincoln and…Grand Island. What more could you want?

3. Daren and Ann have jobs that are both rewarding and that they love!

4. Tornadoes hit Kearney while Daren and Ann were in Europe; so close but no damage to their home. Drive 1/16 of a mile and it’s a very different story.
5. The Snider family learned to cook some great “knock-off” recipes from their favorite restaurants they miss. No need to “Boo-Hoo” when they can’t hop on over to Café Rio or Market Street Grill. Now they just make our own.
6. The Snider family lived a whole year in a house with two teen-agers and loved every minute of it. Some of the Sniders loved it more than others.
7. All the Snider children are in school all day. Yes, you can lie on the carpet and not have anyone jump or crawl or touch you. It’s so amazing!
8. Cameron learned to ride a two-wheeler without any help from his parents. He has no patience or use for them—his parents that is.

9. Daren and Ann have matching scars from surgery. What a thrill! Guess it’s better than matching tattoos.
10. Daren worked his handyman talents and put some great white railing on the front porch. He installed a new toilet in the hall bathroom but that doesn’t sound so handy!
11. Ann’s mom is serving her second mission for the LDS Church by helping people with their family history. Ann’s mom was able to sell the family home after 51 years.
12. Ann got a “free” trip to Utah in December to see some of her friends. It made her very homesick. She needs to have a personal jet.
13. Colin got his first job. A Papa Murphy’s Pizza discount makes him a very popular guy, not to mention the money a job gives him.
14. Ann’s “best-est” friend came to Nebraska to see her. That was a miracle in it’s self.
15. Ann got to go to a UNL Husker’s volleyball game. That was sooooo cool! Go Husker’s.
16. Christopher continues to keep his life a secret and amaze his parents on a regular basis. He is a gentle giant. The December Band Concert was a perfect example. Chris stood by a young man with learning disabilities and helped him be a percussionist as well. It makes a Mama so proud!
17. Laura would rather play soccer, swim, play basketball, and skateboard than dance or practice the piano.

18. The Snider family was treated to a wonderful Labor Day weekend in Omaha with friends. The Omaha Zoo is the best-sized zoo ever.
19. Ann had the privilege of teaching the young single adults at church a one-hour religion class once a week. A perfect job for her.
20. Colin and Christopher are well on their way to playing the piano to the “Snider Family Level of Acceptability.”
21. Daren got to be the spokesperson for the faculty at UNK as he served as Faculty Senate President this year. It has had some nice perks this year, but not enough to make it worth doing. 22. The Snider family celebrated Chinese New Year along with Cherry Blossom festival, Enid and many other holidays from countries around the world thanks to Ann’s international students at UNK.
23. Ann learned that even something like a “hug” is not so simple for everyone, like students from different countries. And she thought she was teaching reading and writing.
24. The Snider family learned how blessed they are to have good friends and family and to be served by them.
25. The Sniders had many a chance to celebrate another year together. They even learned some sportsmanship while playing board games. Aunt Myrna would be proud.

26. Snider children learned that money doesn’t grow on trees.
27. Ann and Daren learned that an electric blanket really is a necessity. NOT A WANT…A NEED!
28. The Sniders learned that having a silver-colored miniature schnauzer is a great addition to the family. Gretchen is everyone’s favorite and, despite what Daren says, he really won’t take her to the pound if the rest of the family perishes.
29. The Sniders learned to say good-bye to dear friends; some for a short time and some for what seems a very long time. Thank you for touching our lives.

The Snider’s will miss Yuto, Brother Lee Harnagel, and Dr. Snyder, to name a few.
30. Ann and Christopher got to read some great books this year. Thank you Stephanie Meyer. Can’t keep those books coming fast enough. It seems that Daren was even bit by the “pleasure reading bug” as well.
31. And finally, the Snider family really got what they wanted this year by being able to look back at the year and know that they love each other. They also know that they have a stronger knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There were prayers together and for each other. There were family dinners most every night. There was Monday night Family Home Evenings most weeks. And most importantly, there was laughing, loving and learning by all (Daren wanted to mention that there was plenty of fighting, hitting and screaming as well…lest you think this is a Christmas letter from the “June Clever” family.)

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year in 2009! We hope you can get what you want this year…

2008-12-22T18:02:00.002-06:00

This post appeared on the "Time Out for Women" Blog over at Deseret Book. I just found it so profound! I hope you enjoy this!

Tomorrow I will blog about my now 9 year old girl! Can you believe Miss Laura is 9?

Mercy in the Court
by Laurel Christensen
November 14, 2008
I'm not sure at what point it's appropriate to admit you have a criminal record. As a single girl, it's a quandry. Do I share it on the first date or on the 5th wedding anniversary? I'm not sure.
I got a little speeding ticket in the city last winter and was called in to court. I was given the option to sign an abeyance which allows you to keep the little traffic mishap off your record. In return for the court's kindness, you commit to not get another ticket in 6 months.
Apparently, when you sign an abeyance, they take it kind of seriously. And apparently if you violate that abeyance (i.e. if you get a ticket within 6 months after you committed not to), you have to officially appear before the judge.
I don't know what I was thinking...that it would be a casual gathering of citizens eating cookies and having punch? Shooting the breeze with the local elected judge? I walked into the courtroom and saw before my very eyes a few guys...in jail uniforms...with shackles...actual shackles. Standing next to them were two armed police officers.
I kind of wanted to whisper, "I'm sorry but I think I'm in the wrong place. I'm just the idiot who didn't pay attention to the speed limit. Where's the room for people like me?"
An older gentleman came and sat by me. He appeared to be down on his luck, but smiled and tried to make me feel comfortable.
Said he, "Well, I hope the judge is in a good mood."
"Is he sometimes not?"
"No."
"Should I be worried?"
"What are you in here for?" (What am I "in here" for? Isn't that what you say to someone once they are officially in the slammer?)
The judge comes in and proceeds to explain the various classes of misdemeanors and then I hear him say that my class (class "B") can carry up to a maximum $1000 fine and/or 180 days in jail.
I look around to see if anyone else is freaked out by this news. No one is.
The judge begins with the guys in the shackles. And it's some serious stuff. One of the guys iis being sent back to jail. The other two have trial dates rescheduled. I couldn't help but ask "Where am I? How did I get here?!"
Then my older gentleman friend gets called up.
His story is so sad. He tells the judge he has a drinking job but pleads with the judge to not send him to jail..."I'm finally back on my feet. I can't lose my job."
He gets 60 days.
The officer walks up behind him and puts handcuffs on. My new friend is being polite and cooperative. The judge reminds him he's been in and out of trouble and he needs to learn his lesson once and for all.
The officer took my friend over to the other "felons" and the old man sits down and starts to cry. It broke my heart and I really wanted to do something but then I realize that I'm still sitting here...I still have to talk to the judge myself.
My name is called and I'll be honest...my heart skips a beat.
I approach the podium. The judge asks if I understand my rights. He reads my charge and asks how I plead.
"Guilty, Your Honor." (WHAT? did those words actually just come out of my mouth? How did I end up here?)
"Is there anything you'd like to say to me before I impose your sentence?" he asks. ("impose my sentence? Where am I? What is this?" Jean Valjean and Les Mis songs start running through my mind.)
"Just that I am so desperately sorry and I can't believe I'm here."
"I'm sure you are. Most people standing where you're standing are."
He didn't know me. I didn't have time to be charming or funny. He didn't know anything about my crazy story and didn't care that I got my 2nd ticket driving to check out the Girls Camp location (I'm SO committed to my calling!). I was just standing there, guilty, in need of some mercy.
We always talk about the "final day of judgment" that will happen for each of us someday. And on that day there will be a final accounting of our lives. But, I have to tell you that my day in court made my "day of judgment" less about "some day" and more about "today".
It occurred to me as I stood there waiting for my fate to be determined that EVERY DAY I have the opportunity to kneel before my Maker, in the name of He who is worthy to be my Judge but who desires to be my Advocate. Through some miraculous way, He is able to be both. And when I say, "I can't believe I'm here and I'm so desperately sorry", He knows.
And when I kneel, having violated a law, no matter how small, I am in need of mercy. And always, always, always, mercy is extended.
In the only courtroom that really matters, mercy is extended by the Judge who is also our Advocate. And that is the miracle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
(Oh, and just in case you were worried, I didn't spend a night in jail. Apparently the judge was in a good mood.)

A Christmas Gift for Each of My Blog Readers!

2008-12-19T09:41:00.003-06:00

This came to me today on Facebook! I was so touched by the presentation Kenneth Cope would take the time to make, especially this time of year! I wanted to share it with everyone I could!

I hope you will enjoy it as much I did this morning and throughout this Christmas Season!

O Holy Night - Kenneth Cope & Liz Lemon Swindle
Source: www.youtube.com
Artwork of Liz Lemon Swindle depicting life of Jesus Christ set to Kenneth Cope's "O Holy Night"; produced by Kenneth Cope for Christmas 2008; artwork used by permission from Foundations Arts (foundationarts.com) and Christ Gallery (christgallery.com).

FROM KENNETH COPE
Dear Facebook friends, here it is. Like I promised, I've prepared this Christmas surprise for you. I got permission to use my friend Liz Lemon Swindle's amazing artwork to make you this video. I wish you could see it in high rez. (in YouTube, click on "watch it in high quality" underneath the screen for a little better picture.) :)I wanted to make something that was Jesus Christ focused, redemption focused, something full of hope. The world's just not handing out much hope these days, but Jesus seems to be overflowing with it. We are His family. He has bought us with His blood. May this little 4 minute music video be another reminder of our Lord's relentless love for you.Thanks for being my friends, and may you have a delicious-to-the-soul Christmas.Love, Kenneth—

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sma7YVkq4w

Christmas Crazy!

2008-12-16T09:42:00.004-06:00

Just from the few blogs I have read, I realize that everyone--OK most everyone--is feeling the "Christmas Crazies" this time of year.

A quick question and answer so you all know that I am still alive.

Question: Do you like to wrap presents or put them in a gift bag? Do you like wrapped gifts or gifts in a gift bag?

I like to wrap presents. I believe presentation is everything! I love the bows. I the ribbons. I love the little things you can tie to packages. It's so fun!

So, that probably means, and it does that I love to receive gifts that have been wrapped with some thought! It's so fun! There is that creative side again.

Pictures from a Great Day! Pictures from a Great Thanksgiving Day!

2008-11-30T22:04:00.003-06:00

These pictures are all out of order but you will get the idea! This is Cameron's idea of getting dressed up for Thanksgiving Dinner!

More horse-play with Cameron and Christopher! We had a great day together!

This handsome guy was a great help with the dinner prep. Colin is just so fun!

Laura, Colin and Daren working on the Thanksgiving feast!

A view of the "kids" table. I thought they would enjoy sitting together! They complained about it all day! Next year I will just make the "Adult Table" a bit more crowded!

Laura was a big helper in the kitchen! She helped with the onion chopping for the homemade stuffing!

We invited a good friend, Melody over to share Thanksgiving dinner! Cameron and Laura have a big date with her later this week for "Disney on Ice."

I saw these cute "place-cards" over at MarthaStewart.com and on my friend Marilyn's blog. They turned out very cute! It's my Grandma's china, my cheapie flatware and a fun fall table runner that my quilting friend, Amanda made for us. Oh yeah, the table linen is from my great-grandmother from England and Christopher folded the napkins!

Another fun view of our table!

And one last view of the festive "Adult Table."

"Eight Things After an Early Morning of Crazy Shopping

2008-11-28T11:20:00.002-06:00

Eight Things After an Early Morning of Crazy Shopping

This meme is called 8 Things …

8 TV shows

I don’t even watch one show on a regular basis so this is going to be difficult. I copied my friend Marilyn because I don’t watch TV. I’m too crazy busy with life.
1. Survivor

2. The Great Race

3. Numbers

4. 24

5. Desperate Housewives.

6. Heroes

7. Boston Legal

8. Survivor

8 things I did yesterday
1. Made a beautiful dinner for my family and friends.
2. Cooked in the kitchen with Daren and remained friends with him.
3. Painted the kids bedroom wall after a young dinner guest got a hold of a black permanent marker and it wouldn’t come out. (Benzen is 16 months)
4. Had a candlelight “pie-fest” with Daren, Colin and Christopher after everyone else was gone and the little ones were in bed.
5. Stayed calm through all the chaos.
6. Smiled when my mom said something really embarrassing to one of our dinner guests.
7. Watched a good friend surprise the “little kids” with tickets to “Disney on Ice.” They are so excited.
8. Enjoyed 50-degree weather for the first half of the day.

8 places I love to eat-

1. Anywhere in Salt Lake City

2. In and Out Burger

3. Dodo

4. Hunan’s—Chinese restaurant

5. Olive Garden

6. Famous Dave’s Barbecue

7. Pantera -salad and soup and sandwich shop

8. Any German Restaurant

8 things I am looking forward to
1. The end of the semester
2. Taking my mom to her mission on Friday
3. The whole Christmas season
4. Buying and wrapping presents for others
5. Christmas break and the time with family
6. The New Year and the chance to focus on some new goals
7. Spending some time organizing the house
8. All the holiday parties that Daren and I get invited to.

8 things on my wish list
1. I wish for a year of happiness and health for our family.
2. I wish for peace in the world.
3. I wish for our economy to continue to get stronger
4. I wish that Daren and I will be able have our jobs and be able to support our family.

5. I wish that I will be able to get my body in shape for a trip to China—if I get accepted, a Pioneer Trek—if I can find a way to be needed, a trip to Utah and Florida if all works out well and most importantly for my general over all feeling of well-being! It’s a must this year.
6. I wish for an organized house. This will not only help me but it will help Christopher with his inattentive ADD.
7. I wish for a new car. Don’t know if this will happen. Still paying on this year’s medical bills.
8. I wish that by some miracle I will be able to see “peace” in my ward and that I will be able to be a small part of that. I know I am going to work on my part.

8 people I tag-
I tag Mary, Amy, Julie, Beckki, Randa, Heather, Rhonda, Katy, Annie, aka—Reese, Michal, Myrissa, Lindsee, Angela and Melane.

Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T19:05:00.005-06:00

It's Thanksgiving Day! The turkey and ham have been eaten along with all the trimmings! Everyone is stuffed and we are contemplating are next move! I think it won't be anything too quick! It always seems so painful! Colin was the only one who seemed to stop before it got painful. He even took a mile walk! What a man! We had our friend Melody and the McGarry's over!

The meal turned out so perfect. The table looked so great. Christopher folded "restaurant" perfect napkins and my flower arrangement and candles turned out beautifully! Daren was in charge of the turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce and gravy. Colin did the stuffing. My mom brought a pie or two. The McGarry's brought rolls and two delishish pies. I was in charge of the rest! I tried my hand at homemade stuffing, raspberry-pretzel jello salad, Heather White's sweet potato pie casserole, green bean casserole and major relish trays and dip. I am sure I missed something, but it was all so good. We ate and had such a great time!
We talked about the world, our blessings and how to solve so many of life's mysteries

It was so fun!

So at the end of another great Thanksgiving day, Colin, Christopher, Laura, Cameron, Daren and I really feel so blessed by our Heavenly Father for his Son and for the blessings we have to be members of his true church on the earth today! Life is good. We have so much to be thankful for.

For all of those who have been a part of our lives this year, we say "thank you!" Thank you for all you do to strengthen us and our family.

My Review of "Twilight!" My Review of "Twilight"--The Movie! ~

2008-11-26T08:34:00.006-06:00

As I thought about the reading I have done over the last two years when it has comes to the "Twilight" series, I just have to say that it has been amazing! Four books--750 pages each---approximately 2800 pages! NICE! As a mother, I love to see that kind of reading going on in my home! Christopher and I would read the books as fast as they came out! On the last book, "Breaking Dawn," I let Christopher read it first and then I read it! I will just say that I felt like that was a big mistake! I wish I had read the book before him. While I really liked the direction of the first three books, book number four, "Breaking Dawn," contained material that I was not happy to have my 13 year old read at this point in his life. I am a big believer that reading helps to let us develop imagines in our minds and helps us to develop that imagination!

I guess this is what I would like to say before I review the movie: Just because Stephanie Meyer is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and a graduate of BYU, I guess I had certain exceptions as to what I would read! I wasn't disappointed in the first three books. My beef with the whole "Twilight" phenomena comes from the final book. I appreciate that Bella and Edward have high moral standards. I appreciate that Edward respects Bella. I like that they both wait to have sexual relations until after they are married. I guess what bothers me is that "Breaking Dawn" reads like a Harlequin Romance. I don't know that young women and young men need to be having those imagines in their heads as they struggle on a day to day basis with their "teen-age" years. That's my beef--at least with the books! I would have maybe appreciated the series to stop after book three.

So my review of the movie. After doing as much homework on the movie as I could. Meaning I went to my favorite review sites like "Kids-in-mind" and read a few blogs of people I respect, I decided that this would not be a "Mom-only" movie. So last night, Tuesday, November 25, 2008, five days after the opening, I took Christopher to see "Twilight." The theatre wasn't as packed as I thought it would be. And by the way, it was free popcorn night, so what did I have to lose. The theatre was full with mostly teen-age girls and a few brave young men who knew that it would be a cool place to be. Those young men had the right idea, a theatre full of the cutest girls in town and ....well, you get the idea.

One more thing: The previews were not good at all. In fact I complained to the theatre manager as I was leaving. The preview for "The Unborn." How satanic was that?! Come on, the audience that came to see "Twilight" is NOT going to be the audience that is going to see that kind of movie. And it was disturbing! I don't like scary--scary like that at least! GIVE ME A BREAK!

There wasn't really a beginning of the movie. I was unsure that the movie had actually started. The whole deer in the forest thing was a bit strange of a beginning for me. It took me a few minutes to actually realize that the movie had started. I have to say that I liked ALL actors for the most part. I thought Bella and Edward were great. I had a few problems with Jacob. OK--his hair was just strange! They didn't really develop the whole relationship between Bella and Jacob very well in the movie. It was so much more in the book. When I saw a picture of the Cullen's house, I was blown away at how close to my own personal imagine it was. THAT WAS FUN! I also wish we had had more development of the whole Cullen family and their individual relationships to Bella. I was also a little disappointed that Belle's mom hardly gets the time in the movie she needed. For those of us who have read the book the movie was great. I don't see the movie being able to "stand alone" without one having done the reading before hand. It would be hard to follow. I didn't really like the characters that played Belle's two guy friends at school, Mike and Eric. I thought we should have seen more from those relationships as well. A 90-minute movie doesn't really give us the time to develop the kinds of relationships with the characters that we do when we read the books. We had 2800 + pages to develop our opinions about these characters.
So, did I like the movie? Kind of! I guess! I mean, I am glad to have a movie to give imagines to the things I read. I wish that Stephanie Meyer hadn't sold out to Hollywood. I wish it could be a movie where I felt like I could say to my teen-age and young adult friends., "Hey, let's go watch a movie that upholds the standards that I try to teach you on a weekly and daily basis." I am glad that we see that Belle and Edward are so innocent in their relationship with each other. I like that we don't hear any vulgar language. I like that the violence is equal to the characters and scenes. I wish that the girls in the prom scene had been wearing modest dresses. I wish that there could have been a few other subtle hints about "LDS standards and values." But at the end of the day, I didn't have to be embarrassed to bring my 13 year old to the movies and try to explain some vulgar humor or sex scenes to him. For that I am grateful!

Kurt Bestor Column~Kurt Bestor Column

2008-11-25T08:29:00.003-06:00

Saw this today on facebook. Kurt Bestor wrote an article for "Wasatch Women." Now I don't live on the Wasatch front anymore and neither do most of my blog and internet friends, so I thought I would share. ENJOY! Check Kurt Bestor's website. He is a great musician and I like his music! http://www.kurtbestor.com/

Brawn vs. beauty
Behind every strong man is a stronger woman
by Kurt Bestor
I have a theory about which is really the stronger gender. Now, I haven't tested this like Galileo dropping rotten fruit off the Tower of Pisa or like Einstein contemplating relativity at a lonely train station. But — after observing approximately half the earth's "better looking" population for the last four decades, I think I know what I'm talking about here. In short: women rule the world. I know, I know. History books (written mostly by bespectacled old male university professors I might add) are full of examples of chieftains, generals and dictators ﬂexing their muscles as they conquer another country or two before clocking out for the day. Marvel comics and Warner Brothers Pictures depict testosterone-laden superheroes with bulging biceps righting a capsizing ocean liner, taking on an entire rogue army and deftly swooping up a swooning maiden on the way home from the office. Even now, as I put pen to paper here, I'm watching a massive Olympic weightlifter hoist barbells the size of a large 747 over his head on his way to a gold medal. But look a little deeper and I think you'll see just who is ruling the roost. Even the most powerful despot and inﬂuential leader has to come home and, after he kisses little Genghis and tussles Napoleon Junior's hair, gets an unsolicited critique of his job. "I can't believe you invaded that country today, after promising me you would stop after Mesopotamia!" "Isn't that just typical — you get a few extra shekels and you can't help but buy a new chariot!" Houses throughout history and kitchens across all continents have always resonated with the same feminine power. "Before you go downstairs to plan your next pillage and plunder, I need you to take out that stinking garbage." Yes, as sure as that apple hitting Newton on the head, this theory needs no proving. In the meantime, we men will continue with the only jobs t
at are left to us — that of being "breeding stock" and reaching for the soup cans on the highest shelf. Oops ... hang on a sec ... Wish I could stay, but I got a jar of pickles that my wife needs opening.

When not writing music for films, CDs and his very popular holiday concerts — Emmy-award-winning composer/performerKurt Bestor can be found hiking and camping in the picturesque mountains behind his home. The father of two girls, he and wife Petrina make their home in Salt Lake City. You can follow Kurt on his Web site, www.kurtbestor.com

University of Utah FAN!

2008-11-24T09:29:00.002-06:00

Now, I am not one to rub things in another's face...but I love my TEAM! GO UTES!
Always the fan! I bleed RED!

Can you say "RED-OUT?" Love it!

It was so fun to see them win on Saturday!

A Picture Blog About Me!

2008-11-20T08:54:00.003-06:00

I love to travel! And travel and travel...Need I say more? My bags are always packed.

The ocean is a favorite! Any place there is water, sun and sand...I am a very happy girl!

Nebraska is where I live now! It's very different from what I grew up with but it's HOME!

Yes, POPCORN! Can't live many days without it! I love it in all it's forms! It makes me happy!

Disneyland! I grew up with many fond memories of Disneyland. Went there at least twice a year most years of my life. So fuN! Always fun!

CHOCOLATE! CHOCOLATE! CHOCOLATE! It really is a food group! Again just the best!

And...my age...I don't really have a thing about turning another year older. I just can't believe I have lived for 46 years!

Fun--Finding the Happy in Today!

2008-11-18T23:29:00.002-06:00

For me Happiness is a fun slide and a piece of wax paper to make it even faster!

Happiness is a new friend and student! Saki went home last week to Japan, but she and I will remain friends for forever!

Happiness for me is a parade! Nothing like a few fire trucks, the American flag and a few marching bands to make this girl happy!

More of what makes me happy...my students....love this picture because it looks like a scene out of "Ferris Bueller's Day-off!"

And last but not least is my good friend, Carrie. She makes my life so much better! She is just a happy, caring person! She is generous to a fault and so talented! I want to be more like her when I grow up! :)

These are few things that bring my life the joy and happiness! There is so much more!

Ward Unity! Unity in General!~

2008-11-18T14:37:00.004-06:00

Lately I've been thinking about President Henry B. Eyring's talk from General Conference, October 2008. He spoke about unity and the need for unity in our lives. The title of his talk was "Our Hearts Knit as One." A few years ago I received some training from then General Relief Society President, Elaine Jack, about the need for unity in our lives. It was interesting for me to hear this topic again at this last General Conference.

President Eyring talks about how he feels members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can accomplish any purpose of the Lord when fully united in righteousness. WOW!

I have been pondering that for the last few weeks. What does this mean for me? What can I be doing that I am not doing? What are those around me doing? Why is not happening? What is going well? A lot of thoughts.

I truly believe that I can only really change myself and those under my stewardship. I cannot change those that are outside of this circle although I can influence them through my behaviors and actions. So for right now, I am concentrating on me and those in my stewardship. That would be me, my children and the Young Single Adults in the Kearney Stake. Even my husband is not on this list because I don't have stewardship over him. I can work beside him and have influence with him, but not over him. I also have stewardship in the sisters I visit teach at church. I also have some stewardship over the students I have at school, but President Eyring is talking in this talk about our ward and families. So I am starting there.

I have noticed that since I was released from Primary this idea of unity has been more difficcult of me. I don't have stewardship over Primary anymore so the way that I can help to build unity there is to support the new primary presidency in whatever they are doing. It may not make sense to me. It may even hurt because I see such chaos on Sundays, but I am not in charge. I can help my children to get a gospel education and testimony by teaching them at home more diligently. I can have FHE that have to do with the Primary themes, we can sing the Primary program songs for our daily family devotionals and so much more. I don't have to sabotage the new Primary Presidency by saying or doing unkind things behind their backs--or in front of them.

So, President Eyring goes on in his talk to talk about the lack of unity in the world. That is so true. He says that he will talk about this subject more in the future. He says that prophets down through the ages have spoken on this topic many times. We need to be constantly reminded of it. WOW! I would think that it would be an easy thing. I mean, don't we all want to have a place where we can come and feel safe and know that our brothers and sisters in the gospel love us for who we are? Don't we want to be able to feel safe in our church meetings and other activities that we have with fellow-church members? I know I do! It's the one place that I long to have that feeling.

President Eyring encourages us to be humble. He says that "pride is the great enemy of unity. You have seen and felt it's effects." He tells a story of two people who had a mild disagreement. It got worse and worse. It was more important to be right than to just be with each other in unity. This hits home for me. I want to see unity in my LDS ward. I want to see the kind of ward fellowship that I have seen in other wards I have lived in. I believe it can happen. I just don't know how to help those around me see it, but I know that I can change myself and my family. I can help those I visit by letting them know of my love for them. I can help the Young Adults in this area feel of my love and testimony. I hope they will feel it!

President Eyring asks us to be "peacemakers." That is my goal in every action I have within my stewardship. I sit and cry through most of sacrament meeting because of the pain I feel but I can ask my Father in Heaven to help me be an instrument in his hands to be a peacemaker. I want to do as President Eyring has asked us to do and to "speak generously" of others.

I struggle so much with this. This has been my test for the years I have lived here in Kearney, Nebraska. I do better at it sometimes and other times I really fall short. I hope I can be found doing what the Lord has asked me to do!

*REALITY CHECK: This is harder than it looks. But I am trying!

A WoNderFul DAy IdEa!

2008-11-14T09:05:00.004-06:00

Just a few minutes ago I was reading a friend's blog! She had a great idea that I hope you will try. If you are willing to post an idea here on my blog for others to read, I will be sending each person who comments a little "prize."

Marilyn's idea was this:
(I just copied her blog entry, and I hope you get the idea. I have edited parts but let enough so that you can get the picture of what this blog post is all about! I will post what I am going to do at the end of this post, so keep on reading.)

Marilyn Speaking:
Wonderful Day!
"... First we drove to Starbucks....and I ordered us Caramel Apple drinks....and also bought a bottle of Cinnamon syrup for each of us. She had never had the drink before so we were both in heaven. Then a nummy lunch at Stella's where she opened her gift bag...to find Apple Juice, whipped cream and caramel sauce....so she can go home and make her and Tom a Caramel Apple nightcap. There was also a card....with a homemade gift certificate. The game was that I was going to take her to a wowzer store....and she had to pick out her own birthday gift (or gifts) (since I haven't been able to go out and shop) ...something for her...not someone else....and she had to spend the entire amount and come within 4 cents of the total. We were both wowed by the wowzer store ...and we both had so much fun picking out fun things." THIS IS THE IMPORTANT PART! "I was very excited because I found my favorite earrings there! I have had these earrings for about a year. And every time I wear them, honestly, I have MANY comments from everyone I meet..."Oh those are the CUTEST earrings!" So, several months ago I decided that I needed to have an "earring ministry." In case that sounds strange, let me explain. My best friend in Portland, Cynthia, is one of the most amazing women I have ever met and taught me many years ago about service. She works in a hospital....and is always busy....but she told me that she has a "cake ministry." I asked her what in the heck she was talking about. She said that she makes homemade over-the-top birthday cakes for everyone she works with....which is a ton of people. She finds out that person's favorite cake...and then makes a wowzer (my favorite word of this post) edition. She said, "It is such a little thing, but it really has come to matter to these people and it is a great way to spread joy." I left that visit thinking I needed a personal joy ministry. One time, again wearing the "magic" earrings, and after receiving several compliments, I decided that I needed an earring ministry. I would try and duplicate the magic ones. So I headed off to the bead store....spent an arm and a leg.....and came home....and found out how HARD they were to reproduce! I think I made one and a half pairs. And they are still sitting with the rest of the beads. The plan was that each time I wear the magic earrings, I would have another pair in my pocket. And when someone would compliment me, I would smile and bring out a pair from my pocket and say, "Have a great day!" Ta-da! Fun, huh? Well, it was until I tried to make them! But today, at the wowzer store, I found them. Several pair. Enough to make a few people happy."

This is where your comments come in. This is what Marilyn is asking: "So..........let's hear some comments on what you would do, to start your own "bring joy to others" ministry. Think of a little something that you could do to make the world a better place. Or the world better for just one person. Like my sweet friend, Cynthia, sharing her love of baking...and my almost-earring business, what would you do?"

ANN SPEAKING AGAIN:
I will send a little prize to each person who comments on what they would do to have a little "earring ministry" or whatever kind of ministry you think you can do. I think it's a great idea. On Friday, November 21, 2008, I will take everyone who has commented and will send a little "prize" to you.

Since the name of my blog is "Finding the Happy in Today and More," I thought this would be a great thing to do.

I have committed to the following: When I hear someone around me say that they are having a crazy, wild day, I am going to go to my magical freezer and pull out a meal for them. I will deliver it to them with all the fixings for a complete meal and hope that their day is just a little less crazy, wild and busy!

I hope you follow Marilyn's lead. What a great example! So fuN!

How Do You Spell RESPECT?! R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

2008-11-13T16:01:00.003-06:00

I was just thinking back to when I first started blogging. It was August 2007 when I made my "entry" into the blogging world. Here we are 147 entries later.

I have to say that so far, I have had no regrets. I have had some wonderful experiences being able to record my daily adventures and those of my family. Blogging has been a safe and soft place for me to fall and land. For the past nine years I have had some of the most intense experiences of my life. I hope that I am a better person because of all that has happened in my life.

Blogging has allowed me to share my testimony of Jesus Christ with many of my family and friends. I have been so blessed by reading other's blogs as well. I have made some friends that have added so much to my life! THANK YOU! This blog has allowed me to post pictures of things I care about. I have been able to share my blog with people all over the world! I can't even begin to tell you where there are people right now in the world who read my blog. Too many countries to count. Many places I have never been and many places I will probably not see in my life time!

This blog has made me accountable for trying to record events. I know I have missed much, but it has been a place to come and share some of those experiences that I have felt were note-worthy. I hope my family appreciates it. I really miss them. I love reading my family's blogs and seeing how my cute nephews and nieces and grand-nieces and grand-nephews are growing and just doing the most amazing things. I love keeping up on the lives of mission companions and friends that Daren and I have made over the last 46 years.

Daren's All Time Favorite Quote--The Reason He Married Me!

2008-11-11T11:52:00.002-06:00

Since August of this year, I have been teaching a weekly religious class to the Young Adults, ages 18-32 at my church. It has been a very rewarding experience for me! First, I love teaching people about the gospel of Jesus Christ! Second, I love helping young adults make some good life choices when life can be so difficult! Let me remind you that I am no expert, and I didn't married until I was 28...so! I just love being a social director! Always the party planner! :)

As Daren and I were dating he would tell me about a quote that he just loved. After we were married and people would ask about how we fell in love, Daren would tell them his opinion about what "love" is using this quote!

Well, today I got my daily quote from the "Foundation for a Good Life" and it just happened to be the quote that Daren has been using for years. We didn't know where it came from but now have a person we can give credit to! Thanks Ann Landers!

I am thinking of getting a wall hanging or framed picture of this for Daren's office! Nice Christmas present I think! We will see. Daren doesn't read my blog so I don't think it will ruin the surprise by blogging about it here! :))))

So for today, enjoy the quote that Daren says describes our courtship, our marriage and what he was looking for when it came to "love."

“Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses.”
—Ann Landers (1918-2002); advice columnist

~THOUGHT FOR THE DAY! ~

2008-11-06T12:15:00.003-06:00

“At bottom every man knows well enough that he is a unique being, only once on this earth; and by no extraordinary chance will such a marvelously picturesque piece of diversity in unity as he is, ever be put together a second time.”

—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900), scholar, writer, philosopher

My Thoughts on the Evening of Election Day!

2008-11-04T23:31:00.002-06:00

OK--So these aren't my thoughts, but they are the thoughts of someone I admire. Elder Neal A. Maxwell was a modern-day apostle for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He made this statement some 20 years ago! WOW!

"Make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters, in the months and years ahead, events are likely to require each member to decide whether or not he will follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult to halt longer between two opinions.

President Marion G. Romney said, many years ago, that he had 'never hesitated to follow the counsel of the Authorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional or political life.' This is hard doctrine, but it is particularly vital doctrine in a society which is becoming more wicked. In short, brothers and sisters, not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes not being ashamed of the prophets of Jesus Christ. . . .

Your discipleship may see the time when such religious convictions are discounted. . . . This new irreligious imperialism seeks to disallow certain opinions simply because those opinions grow out of religious convictions. 'Resistance to abortion will be seen as primitive.. Concern over the institution of the family will be viewed as untrendy and unenlightened....Before the ultimate victory of the forces of righteousness, some skirmishes will be lost. Even in these, however, let us leave a record so that the choices are clear, letting others do as they will in the face of prophetic counsel.

There will also be times, happily, when a minor defeat seems probable, but others will step forward, having been rallied to rightness by what we do. We will know the joy, on occasion, of having awakened a slumbering majority of the decent people of all races and creeds which was, till then, unconscious of itself. Jesus said that when the fig trees put forth their leaves, 'summer is nigh.' Thus warned that summer is upon us, let us not then complain of the heat."
Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Feb. 1979 Ensign

~More TOFW Omaha 2008!~

2008-11-02T16:01:00.003-06:00

Wendy Ulrich and me! Omaha TOFW 2008
Pam Hansen and me! --Such an inspiration

Kenneth Cope! I just can't believe how genuine he is in person!

Jenny Oakes Baker and me! I don't know what that black spot is on my lip!

Jenny Oakes Baker--so talented!

Ardeth Kapp and me! She is always a hit of the show! She just loved everyone of us!

TOFW--Omaha October 2008

2008-11-02T08:04:00.007-06:00

Mary Ellen Edmunds handing me my "MEE" pin! I am officially a member of the club! I have waiting a long time to be part of MEE's Club!

MEE, SMILES and Me--Over the Rainbow! Our Deseret Book Message board nicknames!

Another great photo of the three of us! Love my "new" friends!

It has been mentioned that I have not posted on my blog in over a week! Can it be? I have had some great experiences the last few weeks and so I am back to post about them and to catch my loyal fans up on my life. And by the way, I am addicted to facebook! If you haven't been on facebook yet, it is so fun! I love seeing what my friends are up to!

Last week-end I had was totally overwhelmed with a wonderful week-end in Omaha. There was an event, Time Out for Women, (TOFW) I attended Friday and Saturday. Basically it was 24 hours of uplifting music and spoken word by LDS musicians and speakers from around the world. It was so great!

This is a picture of MEE--my hero! And MEE's socks! Don't you love them?!

Winter Has Arrived!

2008-10-23T12:45:00.002-05:00

Just a quick note to let you know that it snowed for the first time last night in Kearney, NE I am heading out to TOFW in Omaha tomorrow! I am hoping for a relaxing 24 hours ALONE! I will post more when I get back!

AND WELCOME HOME ELDER STEVEN SNIDER! WELL-DONE! You are a great example to our whole family! ROCK ON!!!!! We are so excited to see you in December !

Thursday Threesome! "Dodge, Parry and Block"

2008-10-16T08:30:00.002-05:00

Onesome: Dodge--? ...as in "Get outa'? Okay, so tomorrow is Friday: where would you go to "get out of Dodge" for a day (if you could, that is)? If I only had one day to get out of "Dodge" or as I refer to my neck of the woods, "the cornfields," I would want to go somewhere by the ocean and just sit and walk and sit and walk some more along the sand-eeeee beach and let the like cool ocean breeze calm my soul! I would take the biggest breathes ever as to savor every bit of the wonderful smell of sea, salt and sun! OK--can you tell I miss San Diego.

Twosome: Parry--? What's your best comeback? ...and yeah, "Oh, yeah?" doesn't count !

I'm learning that my best comeback is "NOTHING!" That's right just pure silence. That's a big step for me.

Threesome: Block-- Parties: do you have them? Apartment get-togethers count too.

I would have a party at my house everyday if I could. I love people around me all the time. I love a good party with fun, friends and of course great food. My friend, Jamie is a great party giver! She lives on the block behind me and is always having "block" parties for all occasions. I love it! We have a "Back to School" party, a Halloween potluck, a Christmas cookie exchange, an "End of Year" party and have just started a "Pool Party" at the local swimming pool after school has been in session for a week or two. So fun!

~I AM TAGGED!~

2008-10-13T18:02:00.001-05:00

I AM: tagged!
I am: a daughter of God.

I want: a money tree.

I have: an awesome husband and four fabulous children.

I dislike: sorting socks after they have been washed.

I miss: living near my really good friends. Friends I can trust and who know the “real” me.

I fear: the economy, not being able to raised my children.

I feel: happy when my house is in order, the bills are paid and Daren and I are on a date alone without children.

I hear: children trying on Halloween costumes (such an easy “joy” in life to provide for them.)

I smell: 5-minute chocolate cake. I crave: CHIPS! POPCORN! A DR. PEPPER!

I cry: when I stand at a parade; at TV commercials; at Extreme Home Make-over. I cry way too easily.

I usually: hit my snooze button in the morning at least three times.

I search: for the TV remote—and I don’t even like to watch that much TV! I also search for time, time and more time.

I wonder: what my children will be like when they grow up.

I regret: when I say something before I think it through. I really need to be better about that.

I love: my kids, my husband and good friends.

I care: too much about what other people think.

I always: look for ways to serve other people I worry: about my family. I also worry about doing my best.

I am not: 47 yet!

I remember: life in San Diego and how much I love the beach, water—ocean and warmth.

I believe: that Heavenly Father can ease our burdens and strengthen us so that we are able to bear them well

I dance: in the kitchen

I sing: all my favorites.

I don't always: eat breakfast. My family can always tell.

I argue: with my children when I should just let them say their peace.

I write: to missionaries every other week. It’s a small thing but it’s something I can do!

I win: when I remember who I really am.

I lose: my keys, my cell phone and my debit card all the time.

I wish: I could be a morning person!

I listen: to my children most of the time.

I don't understand: how people in the community are my best friends and how people at church don’t see that same person.

I can usually be found: curled up with a good book if given the chance.

I need: an IPOD touch, a new car, a new crock-pot, and one of those fancy Bosch mixers.

I forget: to say, “I Love you” to my 16 year old as he went off to work this evening! He is a good boy!

I am happy: I really am!

A Meme for Thursday!

2008-10-09T14:14:00.002-05:00

This Meme from Sophie’s friend, Sandy. I have actually never met either of these ladies.
1. Do you like blue cheese? I have always loved blue cheese.

2. Have you been ever drunk? No! I am crazy enough without adding alcohol or drugs into any of it.

3. Do you own a gun? No, I do not.

4. What flavors of Kool-Aid are your favorites? Black Cherry

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointment? Yes. Don’t like to get on the scale.
6. What do you think of hot dogs? I like them with mustard only. I then add toppings like sauerkraut, chili, cheese and onions. It’s a little hard on the body without a gallbladder but I love a good hot dog.

7. Favorite Christmas movie? The Nativity Story

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Water or milk.

9. Can you do push ups? Yes.

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? It used to be my wedding ring. I lost it about two years ago. I would have to say my pearls. I love to have an occasion to wear my pearls.

11. Favorite hobby? Crafting. Making things for other people.

12. Do you have A.D.D.? YES! Silly question.

13. What's your weight? That is just not a good question.

14. Middle name? Ann—so what’s my first name?

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? How can people divorce each other? I am so glad that I don’t have to hem that choir dress. I wish my best friend lived closer.

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water. Water. Milk.
17. Current worry? Will Daren and I have the means we need to retire? Meaning, I should have started saving earlier in my life.

18. Current hate right now? That I am not more forgiving. My body. I want to travel big time.
19. Favorite place to be? At home with my family

20. How did you bring in the New Year? We played games with the kids and had some fun soups and snacks.

21. Where would you like to go? To Disney World with the kids. Salt Lake. Italy, Greece and France again. I also want to be at LDS General Conference in April 2009.

22. Name three people who will complete this. Marilyn, Mary, Randa--maybe even Katie and Annie.
23. Do you own slippers? Yes. I never wear them.
24. What color shirt are you wearing right now? Purple. So unlike me.
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I don’t think so. I would love to have 800 count sheets though.

26. Can you whistle? Yes, but it Daren a long time to teach me how to whistle. It’s just not one of my talents.

27. Favorite color? YELLOW! Greens, reds--lots of fun colors.

28. Would you be a pirate? No
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? Usually hymns because it sounds so good.
30. Favorite Girl's name? Laura and Katherine. I only had one girl so I only got to use the first one.

31. Favorite boy's name? Colin, Christopher, Cameron, and Daren.

32. What's in your pocket? My debit card and a Target receipt.

33. Last thing that made you laugh? A you-tube video I watched this morning.
34. Worst injury you've ever had as a child? I fell on my bike as I was coming home from swim practice one night! It was a brutal accident. We went on vacation to Hearst Castle the next day.
35. Do you love where you live? NO! I mean I love the city and the people I just wish I lived closer to family and friends and in the mountains and near the ocean! .
36. How many TVs do you have in the house? 2
37. Who is your loudest friend? Lisa George. She is great and fun.

38. How many dogs do you have? One. That is enough. Love that Gretchen girl.

39. Does someone have a crush on you? I hope my husband does!

40. What is your favorite book? Wila Cather books. These My Words. The Book of Mormon

41. What is your favorite candy? Three Musketeer Bar. Is there only one? I also love triple covered malt balls. AND of course German chocolate.

42. What song do you want played at your funeral? “I know that My Redeemer Lives” and anything my friend Carrie will play.

Now who will play?

x3 on Thursdays!

2008-10-02T13:06:00.003-05:00

1. What are your favorite colors? This is ever changing! I love yellow. I use to love sky blue and anything blue. I think I love green and ....BUT I REALLY LOVE YELLOW! --It says, "BUT I REALLY LOVE YELLOW!"
2. What is your favorite kind of clothing to wear? Why? What's your least favorite? I love to wear skirts or capris. I am not a jeans gal. I have a big fannie and jeans are not friendly to a big fannie! Someday...I have dreams of wearing jeans. I love crisp, clean and freshly ironed white shirts.--Talbots white shirts are the best! CLOTHING and I have always had a very fond and close relationship. Do the words "clothes horse" mean anything to you? I love clothes. --shoes as well.
3. Do you like to take showers or baths? Why/why not? OK. I use to take baths. Then I went on an LDS mission. One of my district leaders in the MTC told me that taking a bath was like soaking in your own body dirt! From that day on I have only taken showers. I think in the last 30 years I have only taken a hand-full of baths. I know that sounds so crazy but...I wish I had a big, wonderful, deep bath tub. I think I would use it! :)

Tuesday Tag or Five Things for Tuesday

2008-09-30T11:43:00.002-05:00

Because I don't seem to be doing very well with writing and updating my blog better, I have decided to give each day of the week a task! For example, Tuesdays will be "TAG" day! I think if might just work! We will see.
So for today, Tuesday, September 30, 2008 here is my tag. ENJOY!
For Tuesday, September 30, 2008 think of:
5 things that make you happy.
It makes me happy when I hear my children laughing and playing with each other.
It makes me happy when I see my husband sharing his testimony and gospel knowledge with our children.
It makes me happy to sit by the water's edge and enjoy the warm sun and the feel of the water on my skin. I am a water child!
It makes me happy when I can travel and see something I have never seen before.
It makes me happy when I can be the answer to someone else's prayer! Had a great experience with that this week-end.
5 things you would do for a million dollars.
If I had a million dollars I would pay off my house, pay off my student loans and credit cards, buy new cars and travel. I know that sounds so selfish but I need to get my house in order before I can help others with theirs.
5 things you do every morning.
This is so funny! Five thins I do every morning: I get myself out of bed. I say my prayers. I read my scriptures. I brush my teeth. I take a shower and get dressed.
5 things you do every evening
I am pretty predictable. I watch the 10 o'clock news. I check my e-mail. I brush my teeth. I turn down the sheets of the bed. I lay in bed and read "something." I fall asleep way before Daren!

Eight Things TAG! Enjoy~!

2008-09-18T11:42:00.000-05:00

8 Things I am Passionate About:
My family
My faith/religion
Serving other people
Getting healthier and thinner—Getting in Shape
Being an Excellent Teacher
Keeping Current on My Blogging
Being a Great, Super, and Excellent Mother!
Pondering and Studying the Scriptures

8 Words or Phrases I Say Often:
I love you!
You are so cute!
Good job!
Have you done your chores yet?
What do you have for homework?
Let’s go play!
No way!
TOTALLY!

8 Things I want to do before I Die:
Feel good about Visiting Teaching. Meaning: Have visiting teachers who are my friends and that are life-long ones at that.
See my children grow up to adulthood and reach their goals. Have children who have strong testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ and live their lives that way and teach their children to do the same.
Have all my brothers and their families at a reunion where we all get along and have a great time together.
Run a 10K
Go anywhere with girlfriends and have a “girlfriend week-end.”
Earn a Master’s Degree
Build the house of our dreams in a city of our dreams
See Daren reach his full career potential.

8 Things I Have Learned From my Past:
Family and friends are more important than anything in life.
Reading the scriptures everyday really is an important thing. That goes for all gospel principles: tithing, prayer, going to the temple, following the prophet, FHE.
Being organized makes life much more simple and sweet.
Being a good teacher takes work…hard work.
Make every moment count because you don't know when the moments will end.
If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right.
The more you give and serve, the better you feel!
It is better to keep your mouth shut and not say things you will regret. You need to learn to control your temper at an early age.

8) Places I Would Love to Go or See:
Greece
Israel—The Holy Land
Japan
Korea
Fiji, New Zealand, Australia
The Caribbean
Vancouver
China

8 Things I Currently Need or Want:
A money tree
A make-over for the master
New railing on the front porch before someone hurts themselves
Seven Pine Trees in the backyard to be cut down. They have pine-blight.
A fourth bedroom
A new car. My van has over 200,000 miles on it.
To magically lose some weight and be in shape for the 5K on October 6
To live in an LDS ward where people really cared about each other. Where I felt safe and had some good friends.

8 People I tag: I don’t even know if eight people read my blog! So anyone who wants to can go for it!