A couple of my favorite things ...

 nephews and scriptures







Cute, right?

Lazer Larry ... Happy Father's Day

This is my dad Larry (my brother Joe too):

I like this picture because I remember that it was my off-color joke that made him laugh like that.

This is Larry and Jewel in Alaska overlooking the cruise ship.

I don't know anyone who is more:

• kind
• soft spoken
• giving
• loving
• selfless
• generous
• caring
• slow to anger
• proud of his kids
• humble
• willing to try new things
• smart (you need a degree in physics to really understand what he did for a living)

These are some of the things we all (Larry's kids and grandkids) get from him:

• his good looks

First generation (Larry)      Second generation (Dan & Sam)        Third generation (Asher) - many other grandkids look like Larry

• love of sports
• love of the gospel
• love of good food (although these days he eats really weird combinations of things)
• his testimony
• love for a spouse
• work ethic
• free dinners
• father's blessing
• patriarchal blessings
• ability to be calm in stressful situations
• the importance of an education
• example of never-ending faith and hope in the potential of others
• acceptance
• wisdom
• all that he has and is

When we were growing up my dad would make breakfast every morning and sing crazy folk songs that didn't make much sense. Then he would walk Ann Dee and I to school. He never missed one of my basketball games (including Jr. Jazz). He always has shown unconditional love for me and confidence in my abilities. When things get hard, I have often thought, "I can do this because my dad knows I can."

My dad would do anything for me or any of his kids or grandkids. Right now he is doing and being everything for his wife. It is very touching to watch them interact. He is always tender and sweet even when sometimes the situation is very frustrating. Last week in his talk, my nephew Jordan talked about the example his grandpa Larry is of love. I think we are all better people because of my dad's example in caring for his wife. I would be so lucky to have someone love me and take care of me like he does her.

Here they are dancing at Jewel's (named after her grandma) wedding.

I'm so glad that I was born into this family, even if my parents were a bit older when the had me and Ann Dee. Most likely my kids won't know my parents like I do or my older nieces and nephews do. That is why records like journals, family histories, and even blogs are important. 

Happy Father's Day ... a week late.

I'm not a wuss

Feeling like a wuss
For the last two months since my knee surgery (ACL & LCL repair), I've felt like quite a wuss. I was still on crutches and after faithfully going to physical therapy and working hard, the progress was minimal. In fact, my bend actually got worse. Although it grossed me out to think about what they do to my knee during the manipulation surgery, I really wanted to do it. And yesterday they did it.

Helpful Niece
My niece, Kari took care of me for those first 24 hours that you are not supposed to be alone. She had to drive me to physical therapy twice and sleep over and basically babysit me. It was very kind of her. This is Kari with her new cousin, Milo:

New Nephew
Ann Dee also had her baby yesterday. Little Milo has red hair. It is pretty light so it could go blonde but I hope it stays red.

First Place
Since the beginning of January, I've started a new food plan which includes cutting out all sugar and flour. It is an amazing program and I've lost over 40 lbs in 3 months. Most of that time, I was unable to exercise, so there is your proof that weight loss is mostly about what you eat, not how much you exercise. I entered a contest sponsored by triathlon coach, Keena. Anyway, I won first place and the price money was $350 which will help tremendously to pay for this second surgery. I would like to spend the money on new clothes but that'll have to wait.

Spices
I'm still finding things to organize in my house. With my new food plan, I've been cooking so much more and I finally got frustrated enough with how my spices were organized that I found a system that works for me and my kitchen.

FHE is back
With this injury and surgery, my FHE schedule was messed up. I am happy to report that I have started it back up and my Monday nights are starting to book up again. Last Monday was FHE at the Browns. Amy's mom gave a great lesson about the ressurection and then we colored eggs. Did you know that you can decorate hot eggs with crayons? Totally cool. This most recent Monday, I went to the Carl Bloch exhibit at the MOA with a singles group and my friend Angela pushed my around in a wheelchair. It was a very cool exhibit and I was happy to be able to attend.

Turns out I'm not a wuss 

After the manipulation, my surgeon came to see me and told me that it was a good thing we decided to do that surgery because he was able to break through scar tissue and heard popping etc. It made me feel so much better because it means I'm not a wuss. I have been able to move my knee so much better in both directions ever since. And yes, I'm on pain killers and yes, I have months and months of rehab ahead of me but this will save me so much time. This is one of my favorite T-shirts designed by my brother-in-law, Doug. Check out his other t-shirts: http://www.wussywear.com/ This is me and my cousin, Ann back in 2005 before the Provo Freedom Run.

A few things ...

1. My knee doesn't move and so I still can't walk. I have to wear this as long as I can while I sleep ... sleeping doesn't happen very well because it puts a constant, mild stretch on my knee and it is NOT comfortable. There is a possibility that I'll have to do what is called a manipulation surgery where they put me under and then crank the heck out of my knee. I'm guessing it will hurt when I wake up but at least my knee will move, right? I think they will decide on April 25th.
2. Made it to the temple finally. Angela and I went to the Draper temple tonight and I was able to attend with my crutches. You know how temple workers are always nice? Well, try going there with crutches, they are extra, super nice. It was a good experience. I'm a bit behind on my goal to attend every temple in Utah in the year 2011. I'll have to go more than once a month since I missed March and there are 13 temples in UT. I can do it.
3. Millie took some photos of me last week. Here are some of my favorites:                            
4. I went bird watching last Saturday on crutches in the snow and thoroughly enjoyed myself. We saw 37 species of birds! To see which species we saw, go HERE.
5. I've come to grips with the fact that I will most likely not be doing any races this year and possibly won't be able to golf (keep your fingers crossed that I will). But hey, I can drive a cart! 
6. My nephews, Tyson and Luke, were in the "King and I" at their school play. Luke played Louie and sang his solo perfectly: "you can be as brave as you make believe you are."
7. The Bean Museum represents in BYU's Divine Comedy's Harry Potter parody ... 
8. Ann Dee's baby boy is coming soon and I'm excited to meet him. I hope he is as funny as his brothers.
9. I miss my mom.
10. I think my dad is amazing and I'm really thankful that he helps me almost every day take things down to my car in the morning. Oh and he goes grocery shopping for me too.

Karma - Thanks CJane

Monday night I had FHE with Ann Dee's family and Kathy and River at the Bean Museum.

Afterwords I talked them into getting ice cream at the Cougareat rather than the Creamery on 9th ... so much less busy on a Monday night. So there I was at the ice cream counter looking like this:

and the girl in front of me was about to write a check for $1.25. I stepped in and paid for her purchase. I wasn't being nice, I just didn't want to wait for her to write the check cause I really wanted my ice cream. I put it on my signature card which comes out of my paycheck so it was like free money anyway, right?

Well ... a couple of days later, I ran into my good friend Courtney (CJANE) at Days Market and we walked around the store together chatting. I needed to buy a cake for a birthday party I was hosting that night and Courtney insisted on buying the cake for me, which by the way, cost more than $1.25. KARMA. What goes around comes around, so they say. Well I agree.

THIS CAKE IS SPONSORED BY CJANE

It was so nice and I told her in return for her kindness, I'd blog about the experience and let all my readers know that this cake was donated by cjanerun.com ... cause you know, I have lots of readers and she needs help in that department. ;)

In other news, tonight I went on a walk with Jewel. As I was helping her zip up her coat I said, "just be patient, I'll get the "bugger." She laughed and then said "well, if you're going to use that language, you might as well go all the way." So then I said, "ok, I'll get the s**&^#$d." We both laughed hysterically. It was a beautiful night for a walk.

Cooking For One with Katy - Episode 21

This is with guest cook, Holly (mediocremama).  You gotta watch this episode especially if you love tomatoes, or even if you don't ...

My two loves ... Eric Stoltz and Michael J. Fox

This is just another Eric Stoltz post ...

Eric Stoltz as Marty McFly

Cameron sent me this link the other day. I love both Eric and Michael and have since I was little. I had no idea that Eric was cast in Back to the Future. Remember when I met Eric?

On another note, I stopped by Provo High ... 

and got to see this nephew right before his first swim meet. I just got to see him during the warm-up part but he sure did look Michael Phelpsish.

You don't have to be married ...

A couple of weeks ago I attended the Relief Society General meeting in Salt Lake City at the conference center. It was a great meeting. I've listened to all of the talks multiple times since then. After hearing Sister Allred speak, I made some plans. 

Here is what she said:


"... you don’t have to be married to keep the commandments and to nurture families, friends, and neighbors. Your gifts, talents, skills, and spiritual strengths are greatly needed in building up the kingdom. The Lord relies on your willingness to perform these essential duties."


I thought that first statement (highlighted) was hilarious because it is a duh, but yet sometimes I think I give myself an out and play the single card too often. Of course I can still keep the commandments even though I'm single. And I will do better to nurture families, friends, and neighbors.


I decided to impose on some of my family and friends that live close by and invite myself to their Family Home Evening. The last two Mondays have been great. Last week was at the Osguthorpe's home with both Lisa and Emily's kids and some cousins too.


Tonight I was at my brother Dan's house and he gave a great lesson about prayer. I loved hearing my nieces and nephews answer questions and tell stories about prayer in their own lives... like how Tyson prayed and prayed to find his Pokemon cards and then he did. 


Anyone want me to come over for FHE?

Little Tommy is a married man

When Holly (MediocreMama) got married (7 years ago), I turned to Liz and Mandy and said, "no more nieces and nephews can get married until I do." They chuckled and said, "of course." I thought they would take me serious and really start looking for me . Well they didn't ...

Here they are ... Liz and Mandy as brides.

And now ... a nephew. Sweet little Tommy (Thomass) as I like to call him is officially married to Shantay. Shantay who didn't get mad when I backed into her car and caused significant damage to both cars. 

Shantay who let me borrow her Glee CDs. Yes, her.

Ken Garff was the man who performed the ceremony. He gives each couple that he seals in the temple a new car. 

LUCKY!
JK, he doesn't do that, but that would be awesome if he did.

Jewel and Larry have been married for over 53 years.

Here is a picture of Asher being nice.

Meet Larry. He should be mine and here is why. First of all, look at his hair.

Secondly,  for years and years, I've had claim on the name "Larry" for my first boy ... you know, after my dad. Well Holly (MediocreMama), decided to name her second boy, Larry (after her grandpa). She swears that she had no idea that I had wanted that name. And yes it is true, I can still name my first boy Larry, but I don't want to look like a copy-cat so for a long time, I called this cute, little red-headed boy, Larry 2 cause whenever my Larry comes along, he'll be Larry 1.

I've come to grips with the fact that I can't stop my nieces and nephew from getting married, having kids, and stealing my names just cause I haven't yet. Right? Or can I?

Things/People I haven't lost lately:

• Drew & Ron... cause I haven't lost my testimony of the gospel
• Mom (physically)
• Stacy
• Wendy
• Dave & Erin
• Ability to exercise (there was a time when I couldn't):
• 
• golf clubs (last year I think I lost two pitching wedges)
• my assistant at work, Matt, who is great
• my iphone
• a lot of facebook friends and real friends for that matter
• the ability to bribe Asher with candy or a movie

And here are some more (see, I'm a glass half full gal after all):

• testimony
• temple recommend (physically or spiritually)
• job
• shelter (my condo)
• transportation (my suby & scooter & bike)
• scooter parking spot
• keys
• wallet
• any weight
• sense of humor
• a game of connect 4 ... I dare you to beat me
• my plant (it's been alive for over four months in my care)
• 
• my view of Y mountain and squaw peak from my balcony
• 
• love for BYU sports
• receipts (they are all filed away in chronological order)

Things/people I've lost lately:

• Drew ... to death
• Ron... to death
• Mom (mentally)... to Alzheimer's
• Stacy... to Dave and Pennsylvania
• Wendy... to Travis and Wyoming
• Dave... to Erin
• Erin... to Dave
• Motivation for exercise... to comfort food and television
• Lots of golf balls to bushes, trees, creeks, and ponds
• Student employees to other jobs, graduation, and snake bites (totally JK about the snake bites)
• Every game of scrabble (words with friends) I've ever played on my iphone
  
• A Facebook friend or two
• And Asher's affection - this is the typical look he gives me:

Now lest you think I'm a "glass half empty girl ..." come back tomorrow for a list of things/people that I haven't lost. Cause you know, the sun'll come out tomorrow or maybe the next day.

Van or Napoleon?

Ann Dee doesn't see it.

_____________________________________________________

Tonight as I left this beautiful building on the hill ...

I felt proud because for the first time EVER ... I didn't fall asleep.

Laps for Lacy ... and an intestinal organ

Yesterday morning I got up early and ran a 5K for the Utah County Down Syndrome Foundation. Here are some other participants ... aren't they all good looking?

Now I'm going to tell you a story ... names have been changed to protect those involved.

Katarina was golfing with her good friends, Don, Jack and Mike at Hoggle Stream the other day. On one of the last holes (can't remember which one) Katarina got up to hit her ball from the red tees. As she swung a little fart came out. It distracted her and the ball did not go very far at all. It was not a very big fart but it was loud enough that Katarina knew she couldn't pretend it didn't happen. She kinda chuckled and looked back and Jack and Don. Mike was already on his way up the fairway cause he likes to walk.

Don (while laughing): Did you just fart?

Katarina: Yeah, it was one of those ones that just comes out. I couldn't help it.

Jack (while laughing): Well the ball should have gone a lot further than it did with all that extra force.

Don: It was just a little, cute one. Ziiip (trying to imitate the sound)

Katarina: blushing while trying to make it seem like it wasn't such a big deal

Mike had now learned what was going on from all of the discussion up by the tee box. Katarina was very embarrassed. The next day at church, during the closing prayer, the organist accidentally played two notes on the organ. This sounded just like the little fart and Katarina was reminded of the incident. The organ in the chapel was likend to Katarina's intestinal organ.

The End.