Cruise teaser

We are currently docked in Roatan, Honduras. Civil unrest (a strike against the government) has made it impossible for us to go ashore. The officials didn't tell us until we arrived this morning. It is very beautiful - hilly, mountainous, lush, green, & overcast. We were going to go by rickety fishing boat to Anthony's Key Resort to snorkel & see the dolphins today. We saw the dolphins out swimming in the ocean this morning - A LOT of dolphins (20-30). Yesterday, we went ziplining & cave-tubing in Belize. The day before we visited the ruins of Tulum near Cozumel, Mexico. Here are a few pictures -- (*well, there up there)

We just received word from the cruise director that we are going to have an extra At Sea day instead of another destination. Bummer, bummer, bummer. We are loving the cruise but this ship is especially suited to beer drinking, smoking, & gambling.

We have however discovered all of the places to eat good food & have partaken liberally. ;)

Anchor just dropped & so will the internet service.

2008 Greenville Spinx Marathon

After months & months & miles & miles of training, Scott ran his first marathon ever! He started back in late June or early July and couldn't even run a mile without pausing to walk. He has run 3-4 times a week since then including several very long runs on the weekend. The course was so beautiful. It wound around through Cleveland Park, through the streets of Greenville, under the River Falls bridge, and finished in the Greenville Drive stadium.

We the spectators spent time running between here & there in hopes of catching the runners at various key points. Scott & Ken & Danielle ran the whole 26.2 miles, Jacob Armbruster & Lisa McMurtrey ran 13.1 miles, & Christopher ran 3.1 miles. Christopher had a P.R. today of 23:08 & came in first for his age group. Lisa finished at 2:01. Danielle was about 3:32. Scott & Ken were about 3:38. So incredible & inspirational to watch. These people have all trained long & hard to be able to complete these long distances.

We were especially lucky to have Grandma & Grandpa Smith visiting from Utah to see the boys race. They were also able to see Ryan play a baseball game for the first time ever on Thursday night. We know how hard it is to come out this far & are so appreciative that they would change their schedule to be here for this important day.

The Really Big Wall of Pictures

One of the things that I love (& hate) about our family room is the high ceilings. However, they make for really big walls & everything seems to look really dinky. I saw an idea on Tara Whitney's blog & copied her. TW's is WAY cooler - but she's a professional photographer & I am not. I took all of the pictures except the Toyota jump at the temple & the cruise picture. These frames are just shy of 20" square so the top of the arrangement is at 8'.

It took me months & months (& months) to make the trip to IKEA in Atlanta, decide on pictures, & get them hung. I am happy enough with the result. I love my new laser level that Scott bought me to make the whole process easier. I only had to reposition one nail. (!!!) We like it because it represents a lot of aspects of our lives together - living in the Pacific Northwest & the South, mountains & sea, cool architecture, & travel. This project makes me think that I need to paint my walls a color other than this, but with 20' ceilings I think we might just live with it!

What's cooking Wednesday

Tonight we were in a hurry for dinner because of Cub Scouts & Boy Scouts. This is an un-recipe but it was very, very tasty.

Pocket-less pitas (Costco)
Ham (lots of thin slices)
Muenster cheese

Layer the cheese, & the ham on a pocket-less pita. Cook on the George Forman grill until there are good little marks on the ham. The grill makes cute little grill marks; layering the cheese on the bottom keeps it from sticking too much. Fold in half.

You will probably feel ripped off by today's recipe until you give it a try! We serve this with grapes & carrot sticks.

Where have you been in the USA?

visited 32 states (64%)
Create your own visited map of The United States

Happy Birthday Bonnie!

Two of my nearest & dearest friends - Mimi & Bonnie.

Bonnie is one of my best friends. I have known her since the fall of 1990 when we moved to Renton, Washington. She was my visiting teacher. We were fresh out of BYU & far away from home & family. She had two children & I had none. (She now has seven & I have three.) She was the Young Women's president & I served as the Laurel advisor. She has been an awesome friend & sister for as long as I can remember. I would love to write a beautiful essay about how much she means to me, but I don't want to proofread & rearrange & all of that. So instead, I will tell you 20 random facts (or until I run out of ideas).

• She & her husband met in seminary when she was 14. They married after his mission.
• She is wise & is able to cut through extraneous information & quickly come to a decision.
• She is the mother of seven children - a son on a mission for seven more days & a daughter just starting college & 5 more involved in football, baseball, ballroom dance, soccer, & swimming (all at the same time).
• She juggles a schedule that would make me weep. Whenever I think that I have to do a lot of carpooling, I talk to her & realize that I have it easy - really, really easy.
• She has a strong testimony of the gospel.
• She is a great travel agent. When I drove from SC to FL to WA, she talked me through the crazy journey. She was the other adult in the car with me keeping me sane. When I would be lost, she would get on the internet & find out where I was & how to get to where I wanted to be. (Hopes of having an 11-year-old be the chief map reader were ill-founded.) She would suggest my stopping point for the night & then help me find a good hotel.
• She is a patient psychiatrist. When I moved to SC, I was very very very homesick & pregnant. I talked to her EVERY day for years.
• She has an uncanny ability of hopping in the shower or shopping at Fred Meyer's when I call her. ;)
• When we drove home from the hospital with our new baby Christopher, we came home & she came over to see us. She immediately sensed that we had no clue what we were doing & needed some basics - she helped set up a modified changing table on the kitchen table (a towel folded in two) and a makeshift bassinet (a Rubbermaid box beside the bed).
• She gives countless hours of selfless service to people in her ward. She is not one to boast & rarely lets her left hand (me) know what her right hand is doing.
• She serves as the bishop's wife.
  
• She is soft-spoken & kind.
• She is super practical. (the carpet)
  
• When I was turning 40 & so stressed out, she & Scott worked together by phone to have her come & surprise me on my doorstep. She even called me during the day when she was on a layover so that I wouldn't get suspicious.
• When we lost our baby at 18 weeks, she comforted me & helped me work through a depression that was deep & long-lasting.
• She scrapbooks & is almost up-to-date on all 7 kids' scrapbooks & a family book (with fancier pages). She has made several wonderful scrapbooks for me as gifts. When we left Washington, she contacted people in the ward we lived in to make a going-away book for us. It included a picture, addresses & phone numbers, & memories of people & when they met us or what we meant to them. So precious.
  
• She has everyone's phone numbers memorized just like I do.
• She is an avid genealogist & has submitted a lot of names for temple work. She has worked on & off for as long as I can remember at gathering names on her husband's family.
• She does not gossip. Since we haven't lived in the same ward for 16 years, we don't know tons of people in common; but even if we did, she is not a teller of tales. She is the VAULT & if you tell her something, it stays there.
• She loves to travel as much as I do... and has been to many more exotic places than I.

I have lost track of how many points that is and I know I've forgotten some key ones - but HAPPY BIRTHDAY my friend.

It's Wednesday - what's cooking?

One of my friends does words of wisdom every Wednesday. And I like that. But I am not the wisest cracker in the barrel. However, I like to cook. Every Wednesday (until I forget about my pledge) I will be posting something that I've made recently. And by posting on Wednesday, I am not saying that I cook on Wednesdays. Jack (-in-the-box) cooks for us on Wednesday.

PEACH COBBLER by Jonna (Jenna's mom)

1/2 cube butter
1 cup flour
2/3 cup sugar +1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup milk
3-1/2 cups sliced peaches (big can or frozen)
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350. Melt butter in shallow glass casserole dish. Mix flour, 2/3 cup sugar, baking powder, & milk; pour over melted butter. Pour in peaches (if using canned, drain first); do not mix. Add vanilla by sprinkling over the top of peaches. Sprinkle remaining 1/3 cup of sugar over the top. Bake at 350 for 45-60 minutes. Check at 30 minutes. Makes 6 servings. Cobbler is done when top is golden brown & inside is cooked. A little overdone is better than a lot underdone.

I must confess that this is as good cold for breakfast as it is hot for dessert.

High School memories

High School Stories
from LOVIN' LIFE by Sadie Love
I am not tagging anyone but just answering for my own entertainment.

1. Did you date someone from your high school: Yes
2. What kind of car did you drive? : My mom & dad let me drive the blue Ford Bronco but not to school very often (ever?).
3. What is your most embarrassing moment in high school?: Being totally crazy about Jim & wanting to go to homecoming with him but getting asked by Kenny before I had asked Jim. I asked Jim & he said, "Didn't Kenny ask you?" I went with Kenny but was miserable seeing the guy that I really liked dancing with another girl.
4. Were you a party animal?: No. Never a drop.
5. Were you considered a flirt?: I don't think so. I always had a boyfriend though, unfortunately.
6. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?: No
7. Were you a nerd?: Definitely. I kept tabs on the drop-out numbers to see if I could graduate in the top 10%. Missed it.
8. Were you on any varsity teams?: No. I ran track & worked on the yearbook & the literary magazine.
9. Did you get suspended/expelled? : Not even close.
10. Can you still sing the fight song? : 23 years later? No. The last phrase was "rolling hills".
11. Who were your favorite teachers?: I have lots - Mr. Maxwell and Mrs. Clark come to mind. I loved my seminary teachers most - Sister Fronk & Brother Allison.
12. Where did you sit during lunch?: McDonald & Grinders.
13. School Mascot?: Husky. My best friend was the mascot.
14. Did you go to homecoming and with who?: Yes. See embarassing moment above.
15. If you could go back and do it again, would you?: I echo Sadie in saying, "You could NOT pay me all the money in the world to go back to (high) school."
16. What do you remember most about graduation?: I broke up with my steady boyfriend on the day of graduation. I missed all of the fun of the day & wasted the whole night crying over a dumb guy.
17. Where did you go senior skip day?: I probably just hung out with We-o, Penni & Beth but I don't really remember.
18. Have you gained weight since then?: Yes. Are there many who haven't?
19. Who was your prom date?: Erick Scheen - tried attacking me on the porch. Scott Boatright. Regie?
20. Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion?: My class doesn't really plan ahead for reunions. I did go to my 10-year & loved seeing everyone. My 20-year didnt' get announced or advertised. I would have loved to go see everyone older & wiser & less clickier.
21. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself?: High school isn't the end-all-be-all of your life. Don't have a steady boyfriend - enjoy the whole high school experience.

I feel really ancient doing this...

Latest scrapbook layouts

You can click on the individual picture to see the details.

I have been taking a digital scrapbooking class at Get It Scrapped. It has been fun to learn a new skill & it is definitely more convenient to choose papers & pictures right on my own computer. It's also a lot easier to post LOs than taking pictures. I think that I like the tactile aspect of paper scrapbooking though - leafing through papers, holding glossy photos, & touching the finished product. Maybe I'll compromise & do both.

12 on the 12th (maybe 16)

 
I understand that it is only 7:22 but it has already been a busy day. Last night I met with my friend Liz at the Marble Slab to plan on taking pictures today for the 12th.

This morning I was awake early to make sure Christopher & Scott got out the door to early morning seminary & work. The rain came pouring down just as N* came over for a ride to school & Ryan took out the trash. While I was taking out the trash, I snapped a picture of our abandoned bird's nest... it is in the rose bush that climbed over our front porch railing this year. I took the kids to school & went to the gym - where my checking account had been over-drafted because of my lost debit card (grrr). I went back home to meet with the tile guy & then rushed back to the gym to personal train with Jenn & Cherie (no picture, dang!)... it was hard! Snuck in some computer time & then met with Scott at Lieu's for a quick lunch before getting my hair highlighted & trimmed. I met Liz back at school to pick up Chris, stopped by the furniture store without a sign to look for a vanity, and made it home in time to pick up Ryan & Jared. I napped on the couch while watching news on Hurricane Ike & 20 Home Improvements on HGTV. We ate grilled chicken, rice, & Asian vegetables for dinner. Later on we will go to the YSA "dance" that is really an activity. So 12 on the 12th will probably end on the 13th, just as it began on the 11th.

I just can't figure out why I am tired all the time.

Shoe woes

 

Let me start off by saying that I have a really, really hard time finding shoes. In fact, the shoe manager at the local Sports Authority knows me well. We're even Facebook friends! When I got an email about a shoe sale at www.6pm.com on Privos & Borns - two brands that are usually prohibitively expensive, I had to surf on over to check it out. Let's just say that I bought out the whole stinkin' store. So what's the problem? Four out of five pairs fit and they are all really, really comfortable.

Happy Anniversary! 1988-2008

Scott & I have been married for over twenty years now. It does make me feel a little old - but I'm happy to have known Scott for over half of my life. He is truly the greatest guy I have ever met - strong testimony, loving, dedicated, hard-working, great dad, good person, & fun to be with.

We went to Jackson Hole, Wyoming during the Yellowstone fires in 1988. I would love to be able to share a lot of pictures but I opened the camera & exposed the film & ruined our honeymoon pictures in the middle of the trip. (I can still remember the exact spot!!!) We went to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on a little mini-second honeymoon (and I took enough pictures to make up for the first time). We stayed at The Inn at Christmas Place in a very swanky room - complete with fireplace, jacuzzi, & private balcony/porch overlooking the garden. We ate a great steak dinner, played miniature golf, & hiked to the top of the highest peak in Tennessee - Clingman's Dome. We will still take a cruise in a few months, but it was lovely to be together and away for a little over 24 hours. Very refreshing.

Anderson Midnight Flight run

Scott's birthday was Friday & we celebrated by doing a fun run with some friends. Scott's friend Ken & his wife Mimi came down to run the race & support Scott. I ran the race as Chris (hurt ankle) & Bryce, Jacob, & Lisa ran as well. The goody bags were awesome, yummy snacks, & good race helpers at the end who realized that you wanted to have your timing chip cut off of your shoe even if you couldn't remember the word "scissors". I improved my 5K-time from the last run by 4-1/2 minutes!!! I even took a detour along the race route to run through the sprinklers (seriously). Scott & Ken ran 47:51. This was Scott's first race & he did great! The marathon is less than two months away and he is diligently training 3-4 mornings per week. I am glad he can do it - I have no desire whatsoever. We loved doing the race with Lisa & Jacob & Bryce, too. The YSA make us feel younger all the time.




The next afternoon we went to the Atlanta LDS temple with a bunch of YSA. I was able to gather some names from the new Family Search web-site & submit them for vicarious ordinance work. I was able to be baptized in behalf of my 3rd great-grandmother and a few aunts. I believe that the work that we do in the temple allows the ordinances of salvation to be available to those who died without the opportunity. The temple is beautiful, sacred, & reverent. I always come away feeling renewed.

Miniature Golfing & the Rankins farewell

 
For Labor Day we did not labor at all - Scott & the boys played flag football with the greatest turn-out ever. Then we went to Red Robin for burgers & fries (in anticipation of the upcoming diet) and then miniature golfing at Frankie's Fun Park. We didn't keep score & miniature golf was much more enjoyable (for the usual losers of the family).


 

Greg & Joyce are a GREAT family who lived in our ward for many years. Bro. Rankin just got a new job in Virginia & so they are moving away. :( We are sad for many reasons - we love them; we love their kids; Brother Rankin has the best laugh ever!; Christopher has learned a lot from Bro. Rankin in his priesthood classes. We went to Wasabi with a bunch of ward members as a farewell dinner. It might sound trite but - the food was great but the company was better. Joyce was recently diagnosed with breast cancer so we are sending lots of prayers & good wishes their direction. They are really some of the best people we have ever known.

I am planning on doing the breast cancer walk/run in October - anyone else want to join me? I am not the fastest mover on the block but it is a really fun & moving event.

Tag. I'm it! It's safe to read on.

I was tagged by my friend Liz. The 3 things tag:

3 current goals:
1) Take my Children's Lit final & pass the class with an A. Today.
2) Finish the basement by selecting tile colors, design & order before Monday.
3) Exercise every day except Sunday... I wouldn't usually write this as a goal because I know that it doesn't quite meet the criteria... however, I have lost my big motivation so this is a step in just moving along.


3 current obsessions:
1) Ghiradelli dark chocolate chips
2) Facebook
3) Diet Coke ... I know, I know, I know!

3 fears:
1) Mice
2) Snakes
3) Spiders


3 random facts:
1) My last 5k time was 38:40. In case you're wondering, that's NOT a good time.
2) When I was a freshman in college, I had a 23-inch waist.
3) I met my husband in a physics class on April Fools' Day. He said, "Haven't I met you somewhere before?"


I hereby tag: my sister Jennifer, Crystal (newest blogger on the block), & Alisa.

I hate the airline that sounds like a kite name...

completely and thoroughly.

Breakfast on the Run

OK, with our new & crazy school schedule, I need some ideas for on-the-go breakfasts. My oldest is out the door before 6 a.m. What can he eat that will hold him over until lunch at 12:30? (with the stipulation that the food is braces-friendly)

We have one of these cool egg mcmuffin toasters - . You put an English muffin or bagel in the toaster part, some water, egg, & bacon in the egg part & you get a 5" egg-muffin. Great - but I can't eat these every single day of the week for the rest of the year.

Any ideas?

Kylie

 

This is my sweet 4-year-old niece Kylie. Last night she was kicked in the head by the neighbor's horse. She was rushed to the local trauma center and has had thirty stitches right behind & inside her ear. We will be praying for you, sweetie!

Update: Breathing tubes are out & Kylie is waking up. She seems to be doing fine. :)

Back to School

We did it! Chris started school last week and seminary this morning. Ryan & Jared went off to elementary school. I can't believe that summer is over. The weather still feels way too nice!!!

Jared was SO excited!!! He was giddy-upping around the house this morning & wanted to be dressed extra handsome, have his hair combed, & be sure that his teeth were brushed.

Ryan was okay about going to school but is pretty sure that he got a classroom full of the boring kids. I am sure that he will find new friends. He is on a great baseball team so that will help alleviate any friend concerns.

Olympic Fever has struck!

We have LOVED watching the Olympics as a family & cheering for great performances. Tonight, we watched the marathon & cheered as the Romanian chick led forever. We kept thinking that she looked like she would collapse & then she would just keep going. We enjoyed watching her take lap after victory lap as she cooled down. Also, Paula Radcliffe kept running even though she was in AGONY. I don't know all the details, but the pain was carved in her facial expressions.

And then we watched Michael Phelps make history. So much fun to see him succeed - seems like a nice guy. We just loved cheering for the Americans.

Not the wittiest of posts but just know that we love the Olympics!