he might find himself in a dress

Today I had the chance to watch my cousin Elizabeth while Ginny {her mom} went to the doctors. We had fun. She brought George but he stayed at the house while we went to the park and then we had some fun painting {see photos of that here}.

After Ginny got back and shared the news that she is having a boy we went to Wendy's for lunch. While at lunch Ginny pulled out the ultrasound picture to show me and Elizabeth took it and said 'my baby sister'. Once he comes out he might find himself in a dress from time to time if Elizabeth has her way. She is so funny and always a joy to be around.

four serious bowlers

My sister {kella} and I get together about once a week to work on a project or just go to lunch. However, our husbands rarely get to see each other so we decided to go to dinner and bowling last night. We ate some very delicious BBQ at Goodwood and then because we are four serious bowlers we played three games at a bowlin alley by our house. We really weren't that serious or that good but we all had a great time. The bowling alley wasn't anything fancy like FatCats but was a little more old school like Regal Lanes in Provo {back when I was kid}. By the end of the third game we were ready to call it a night but I think we will be doing it again ... hopefully soon.

ready for a change

I have been growing my hair out for the last year and a half. It was the longest it has been since seventh grade and was driving me crazy. I decided that I was ready for a change, so on Tuesday I had it cut and colored. I only cut a few inches and now I wish I had cut a few more. I finally have my bangs back and a lot more layers. It's not too different, but different enough. Maybe my summertime look will be litte more dramatic.

Maddox for lunch

My mom has been in town since last Wednesday so her sisters {my aunts} and her mom {my grandma} met us at Maddox for lunch. I got up early to get in my morning run/walk and was almost ready when Kella and my mom came to pick me up {I say almost because I'm never completely ready when she comes}. We were only five minutes late, which was pretty good for me. Not all of my aunts were able to make it but it was fun to see the few that did. We all enjoyed the delicious rolls and rasberry butter while we talked and laughed at the children {Brooklynn and Alliyah}. I had a fabulous time. I've always been close with my aunts and grandma but since I've been married it doesn't seem like I see them much. Life just gets busy so it was nice to spend some time with them outside of a family party. When I got home I still had most the afternoon when I got home so make some chicken salad and enjoy the nice weather that's been around the last few days.

St. Patrick's Day

Here is how my St. Patrick's Day went...
I woke up and went to a mandatory meeting at work with our editor. My boss resigned on Friday so I get my old boss back for a few months until they hire someone. This can be good or bad for me, I haven't decided which one yet.

I then headed to Costco to do a little bulk shopping.
After getting home I changed and went for a run. I want to run a 5K every month this summer so I've started training. I'm not much of a runner now but hopefully that will change.

Once I showered I decided I didn't want to do my hair right away so I went for braids and a hat instead. I don't even remember the last time my hair was braided ... probably when I was seven.

Next was a trip to Macey's for some more groceries.

Once the groceries were put away I made myself a snack.






Then I made a salad to take to dinner. We went to some friends for FHE.
Here are our friends the Abbotts. They were kind enough to invite us to their home. We had so much fun and definitely want to do it again.
They taught us a new game called POUNCE that we played with ROOK cards. We finally headed home and to bed around 10:30, but not after a tour of their creepy basement ... thanks for the fun night!

long weekend in reverse

I've been lucky enough to have the last three nights off work. Here's my long weekend in reverse.

{Saturday} We went down to Salt Lake to eat at the very delicious Cheesecake Factory. We first ate at one of these restaurants in Hawaii and loved it. The one in Salt Lake was just as yummy but there were a million people there which meant a wait, but it was well worth it. We went to the Gateway, spent a few dollars, walked around and then my feet started aching and I started to walk funny {my fault for wearing boots with a heal} so we headed for home.

{Friday} My mom flew in on Wednesday and was staying with me. We picked up my niece Alliyah {who my mom was babysitting that day} in the morning and then went to breakfast with Kella {sister} and Brooklynn {niece}. All of us met up again that night at Kella's for dinner. Brad unfortunately had to work late so he missed the party.

{Thursday} I took my mom down to the Bountiful Temple where Brian {cousin} was getting married. While she went inside for the wedding I sat in my car trying to convince myself that I wasn't getting the cold that I clearly had and I started reading 'A New Earth'. This is the Oprah book club book and it's pretty good so far. There are definitely some things that I don't agree with in it but there are also a lot of good things to think about. Once the wedding was through we went to the luncheon and then did some serious shopping with Jessica {cousin} at Ross. I found a fabulous jacket at a great price and two tins with the words FLOUR and SUGAR on them. They were my favorite purchase. That night we went to the reception in West Point and then called it a night. Well actually my mom and I talked for quite some time about ideas for my grandparents 50th anniversary that is coming up in July. I must say we are going to have some fun.

Tonight I am back at work and the only thing keeping me awake is my yummy carmel popcorn that I made today.

adorable Ava and funny Max

I was a bit distracted yesterday and forgot to write about our weekend. On Saturday I went to a bridal shower for my cousin's fiance {brian and sara} at my Aunt Jill's home while Brad went to a birthday party for Ava. Ava is our friend's {matt and laura} little girl they adopted a year ago. After spending more time at the shower than I thought I would I went over to Laura's parents house where the party was. By the time I got there the party was over. Matt let me know the pinata was the only real excitement I missed but I was able to stay and visit and see the adorable Ava and funny Max.

The second I walked in the door and Max saw I had a present he wanted to open it. The present was wrapped in pink paper so I told him that he could open it if his favorite color was pink. I thought this would solve it but he let me know pink was his favorite color. I'm pretty sure he only said this so he could get the present. He helped Ava open her present but wasn't interested anymore once he saw it was onesies.

Matt and Laura were among the first friends of Brad's that I met. I just wish we lived closer {they live in sunny st. george} because a good time is always had by all when we get together. As previously mentioned they have two fabulous children and are the best friends anyone could ask for.

Us with Laura and Matt in Hawaii, June 2006
Click on the image to see Ava's birthday present

Saturday night we went to the Firehouse in Centerville to eat with Molly {mom}, Ginny, Rich and Elizabeth {aunt, uncle, cousin}. We had a lot of fun and Elizabeth entertained us all.

“Cleanliness is next to godliness”

Today I {kera} had the opportunity to clean the Ogden Temple. The Sevy's {a wonderful couple in our ward} and I were joined by 17 others from our stake {South Ogden}. We cleaned from nine to noon. My group was given the task of dusting and vacuuming. What a task it was. I never realized the amount of effort that goes into keeping the temple clean. It's one of those things I think I take for granted. The temple is always so peaceful and there is a special spirit there and now I know that making sure everything is clean and in the proper place allows the temple to be that kind of place. I never thought about that before today. Even though I was cleaning and there was some chatting going on amongst the more wise {older} women in the room I was still able to enjoy the atmosphere and reflect upon some things that have been on my mind.

I was also able to reflect up on all the beautiful fabric. As we went from room to room and dusted each chair I really noticed how the fabric in each room added to the feeling that was there. It made me want to upholster something in some yummy fabric for my front room.

Everything about the temple is beautiful and organized. I'm greatful I was able to go and do this service because it gave me a chance to relearn this principle, “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” I spent so much care in dusting each chair, base board, table, and book because I was cleaning the Lord's House, and I realized that I should be doing the same for my home. If I want my home to be a place that is peaceful and has a special spirit then I must take the time to carefully clean everything and make sure everything has a place and is in that place.

For those of you that know me I am organized in some things but really lack in others. I've decided that I am going to put for the effort to turn that 'some things' into 'all things'.

President Gordon B. Hinckley said in a talk once "Everything looks better when there is cleanliness" and I believe him so operation get clean and organized starts tomorrow.

Empire Welding LLC

I know it's been a while since I posted anything of substance. I've worked everyday for the last week and so not much has happened. Yesterday Kella {my sister} and I started a project and today we finished it. I would love to share but it is a gift so after tomorrow I will post all the fabulous details about it. For now here's a little insight ...

For some more exciting news, Brad is the official owner of Empire Welding LLC. He just bought a welder and is looking for a truck. He is a very hard worker and is very good at what he does. It amazes me everytime he shows me something that he has built. I know he will be successful. You can be amazed too by visiting his blog

{click the logo below}.