Bad Timing

I got a ticket about a month ago and I was so bitter about it. I have always respected the police and appreciated their service. That respect was seriously jeopardized after getting this ticket.

I know that my current situation has nothing to do with the ticket itself, but I couldn't help all the feelings that I thought: "What an a**. My baby is sick and screaming in the back seat as I am trying to get her to her Dr. Apt on time, and you are seriously going to ticket me for this!!!!!!!! I now HATE you! all of you!"

Here is how it all went down. I am on my way to take Ella to the Dr. because come to find out, she had another double ear infection, back to back with the one she had just gotten over. It had been a good month of a crying, grumpy baby. I was fed up. SO, on my way I notice that the cops are out in full force. Note to self, don't speed! I come around a corner and see another cop that was in the process of ticketing another car. I drove by. The next thing I know, I am being pulled over. The car in front of me pulled over too, not knowing if it was him or not. There wasn't enough room to pull over behind him, so I signaled, pulled over, and kept driving slowly so that I could get to where I wasn't blocking traffic. He flipped on his siren! It was SO obvious that I wasn't about to run, come on!!!! He walks up and asks the usual "do you know why I pulled you over?" NO, I don't. "You failed to yield to a stationary police car. If there are two lanes, you are required to merge into the other lane if possible." Which I think is crap. I would be willing to bet that the great majority of people that crash into parked police cars are under the influence.

He let me off easy by letting me pay for the ticket and going to traffic school! (Don't pretend like you are doing me a favor. I ended up paying $180.00 for that favor!)

Last night I had my class. The lobby was full, so a good group of people, including myself had to wait outside to be let in. When we were being filed in, I thought, look at all this money they are herding in here. Someone later made a comment that we "paid them off" SO true.

I'm rambling. Here is the point of my story:

Low and behold, the officer that I despise is there to teach us, along with another power tripping officer. But guess what. He is funny, and he has a sense of humor. He even knew how to crack a joke! Not at all like the cow I saw on the side of the road that day. hmm?

I decided when I saw him that I would comment about my ticket.

Come to find out, He was standing between two parked police cars, in the exact same location that I was given my ticket (what are the odds?) when a drunk driver crashed into the back of the first car, hitting it into the first. Somehow he escaped death that day, and now he is out to enforce that it doesn't happen again.

WOW, I felt a little guilty thinking there I was saying to myself "You have no idea what I am going through, or where I am going. Can't you find someone who is actually speeding, or doing something wrong?" when I had NO idea what he was thinking. Probably something like: "I almost died because of this same situation."

I did still ask if the officers thought the majority of these problems are caused by people DUI. They both defended no. Then went on with more stories, to which ALL of the drivers were under some sort of influence. I do have to add that if it were my loved one out there, I might like the idea that people are watching out for them, and staying as far away as possible. But again, the people that are doing the damage, aren't going to notice anyway. It's a lame law in my eye. A lost cause. Another way for us to bow down to the authorities.

I learned a few things from going. Nothing about traffic laws. More about understanding a cops mentality, and the things they are faced with.

At the end of class, someone raised their hand and said "to everyone that may have heard me say if I say something and get tayzed for it, get it on your cell phones!"

Thank goodness for people with a sense of humor to make dull and crappy things fun!

AND, if you see an officer in PG, move over for them. FAST! They are out to get you. Don't fall for their "we try to give breaks crap!"

We got robbed!!!

That's right we got robbed and what was stolen we can't get back. This guy is the most disgusting nasty low life there is. I have a photo so you will be able to spot this looser and avoid him at all cost.

I will never be able to get the time back that my wife and I could have shared. If you like what he does and invest your time in evil that he spreads then you are a disgusting person. The Bachelor is the worst freakin show in the world. How could anyone be entertained by this trash. I wish my little niece Livy could type because she could sum this guy up in one word... This is a family blog so I'll leave it at that.

That's my post for this year, we'll talkin again next year.

The Message

My sister in law lent me a book. I just finished it and wanted to share a few thoughts on it. I am in no way articulate when it comes to words. But I am going to try.

It's about a man named Lance who had an accident, and while in an induced coma for weeks, has an outer body experience, between here, and Paradise/The Spirit World. There, He is met by his family that has already passed. Particularly his cousin Randy who died of cancer, and his Grandfather. This is a true story. It may sound far fetched for some, but for me it hit so close to home, and I believe it.

While I was moved to tears numerous times, and touched deeply again and again, there is one part in particular that I wanted to share. This is a conversation between Lance and his cousin:

Randy smiled again. "You never know how much your family means to you until you are separated from them, do you." I nodded in agreement.

"I remember when I left to come here," Randy continued. "I had suffered so long that it was a welcomed rest to leave my bodily pain, but, oh how I missed my family at first. I wondered if it was right for me to have died. Then I was shown what is about to happen in your world. And it was explained to me that certain members of each family chose, long ago, before this life, to die and come to this realm that they might better help their families endure the challenges to come."

Randy's expression changed to one of reverence. "There are many powerful, wonderful spirits who are being called home right now, that they can better help their families prepare for that which is about to take place in your world. One of the major reasons many of us are here is to serve and help those in mortality. Remember that word "serve" for it is a vital part of our world, and can change yours." His eyes did not move from mine. I knew what he was saying was deeply important.

"Lance, do you understand what I am saying to you?" I have helped you many times in your life. I have been given assignments on several occasions to assist you and inspire you."

Randy then shared several stories of times when he had helped me. Each was a time I could remember, and I became deeply thankful to God, to know He had sent someone whom I loved so much to help in those times when I had needed help so desperately. Again I gained a greater appreciation for family and eternal function.

Uncle Howard had approached as we were talking. He had listened to Randy explain what he had done to help me.

"I, too, have similar assignments," he explained. "There is other work I must do, as well, but I am often called upon to help my wife and children who are yet in mortality."

I have thought this and expressed this before. I have so many close friends, including myself, loose a parent at what seemed to be too soon. An early good-bye if you will, and I have always believed that there must be something going on on the other side that they are needed for. I have wondered if these righteous people are being gathered as an army of missionaries. To teach to those spirits who never had a chance to learn of Gods truths here on earth. I have at times felt grateful to think that my Dad's strengths must be needed, and at times cheated; feeling like I need him more. I love the thought that he is there because he can help me more there, than here. It's comforting to think that maybe I am not being cheated, but in reality, being strengthened. I am not saying I understand it all. If I had my choice, I would have him here with me in a heartbeat. To be here to see and love my kids would mean the world to me. Now that I am grown and have a family of my own that is the hardest part. He is irreplaceable and my kids will never have that Grandpa figure in their lives. I hate that. But there is more to it. I don't know what that is. But I know that my Dad believes that he can do things for us where he is now, that he couldn't do before. How I know this is another story, too personal to share. But when I read this part in the book, I had a moment where I could relate. I KNOW that our loved ones are still around us and here for us. I have had one very personal experience in particular where the veil was thin, and through the power of the Priesthood, I was able to witness personally that my Dad is still here, and very much with me.

There is a plan for each of us. We are all capable of so much good, and are all so greatly needed to do our part. I look forward to the day I can converse about the times my Dad has been by my side, with, or without my sense of awareness. I'm curious if I will be able to say, "oh, I remember that!"

To all of my family, please read this book!

I believe the time has come for us to choose how we want to stand. I also believe it's never too late, and hope that we as a people can unite individually, and together, with God; to strengthen our relationships with him, with our families, and with our neighbors.

A Little Early Boy

The best part about the below pictures is how he has his little feet propped up, and how he is looking into a mirror in deep concentration.

And remember THIS post? Man, he is on top of things!

It took me back! It reminded me of how he used to always hang his bottle between his teeth so that he had free hands. He even got a really bad rash from it irritating his face.

I won't even go on about how much I miss him at this age! He is quickly turning into a boy... any idea how to stop time?

Short Family Video with my sweet new 5D MKII

First try with my 5D MKII from C O on Vimeo.

I saw a video done with the new Canon 5D Mark II and it inspired me to learn the video on mine, that is one of the reasons for getting it after all! I am so excited to practice more with it. The focusing is something that will take a lot of practice but I love the way the video looks. The depth of field is sweet! It adds so much dimension to the video, and I love the way it reminds me of old film home-vidoes from when I was younger, only a million times better! =) The only thing I'm not sure, is why I waited so long to play around with it!?!

hApPy LoVErs Day!

Happy V Day Baby!

Word to the wise, don't try to take your kids pictures while sitting in front of their favorite cartoon. Yes, he is watching T.V. here and could care less about looking at me.

Lovin:

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

Bath & Body Works Fresh Water Cucumber Soap

MotoMoto (Madagascar Two)

Taylor Swift, White Horse

Missy Higgins, Where I Stood

Rob Thomas, Street Corner Symphony

Peach Citrus Fresca

Pineapple Salsa

Lovin' more:

Cole, Tate, Ella

Picture

Every so often I post little things that I don't want to forget.
This is one of those times.
My little guy can be the sweetest and most thoughtful thing ever.
This morning I saw him carrying this picture of him when he was a baby. It's usually in his room.
He walked past me and said, "Do you need my picture for awhile?"
Then we rushed to get him off to school.
When I got back I noticed where he had put it.
Just above my bed.
He likes to take pictures of him from around the house and reward either Mom or Dad with it.
Cole has one on his nightstand that he put there awhile back, and it hasn't been moved since.

11m

My two kiddos - Never holding still

My baby is going to turn one soon.

Takin' You Back

I was tagged

I opened my pictures, went to the fourth folder, and then the fourth picture.

WOW!!

I have the best husband... he fell in love with me even though I was a little porky! =) Don't hate, I love food!

This picture is the night that Cole proposed to me. 

He put the ring in the bottom of my pumpkin in a little baggie and I found it while scraping out the seeds. What can I say, he is clever. 

If I remember right I blew a couple of his ideas by saying "oh, you should propose like this..."

Now, I will tag Bri, Gina, Emily S. and Liz

Giddy Up!

All About Me!

I made this list almost a year and a half ago, so a few things are outdated, or added to, or not even the same. I remember it was neat to come up with. For a few days I was thinking about facts about myself, things I feel and know, and have learned. Here is what I could think of:

1. I hate the way my handwriting looks if I’m not using a ball point pen.
2. I hate being late
3. I cried for the first 6 months of my life
4. Favorite book: The Peace Giver and Twilight (I know!)
5. Favorite movie: The Count of Monte Cristo, The Last of the Mohicans
6. I tend to be OCD
7. I love having things to do
8. I love it when Tate sleeps for any amount of time over an hour
9. I love the water
10. I’m afraid of swimming with fish
11. I HATE doing my hair
12. I like to be spontaneous
13. I’m a sap for romantic things
14. On the way to our cabin when I was little, I used to sit on the floor of the car crying because I was afraid my dad would drive into the river.
15. Summertime is the best
16. I like adventure and a challenge
17. I love candy
18. The #1 thing in my life is my family tied with my love for my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I know they should be first, but for now it's a tie.
19. Greatest moment: Hands down when Tate was born
20. Somewhere I would like to go: Italy
21. Favorite place to go: Target
22. I am not afraid of heights
23. Sarah McClachlan is the best!
24. I LOVE music
25. I love Macs!
26. I love to joke around with Cole
27. Cole is my best friend
28. I clip my toe nails too short all the time, and it always hurts
29. I like to go to bed early
30. I hardly ever go to bed early
31. I love living in Utah
32. I’ve been wanting to get a new hobby – I’m thinking about Yoga
33. I like to make things
34. I change my mind a lot
35. I would much rather go to bed, and clean the house in the morning
36. I like to organize
37. I worked as a Dental Assistant for four years before having Tate.
38. Nothing makes me more impatient than my own child crying
39. I wish I were more outgoing when it comes to meeting new people
40. Although I may come across as shy, I’m not
41. My biggest fear: something happening to Cole or Tate
42. I have learned first hand that love is worth the risk of pain
43. I used to have a really hard time letting people get close to me
44. I love the words please, and thank you
45. My greatest example: my mom. She’s been through it all and is still happy
46. My greatest loss: my dad. I wish he were here to see Tate – one day!
47. I wish I was better at being kind
48. One thing I wish I hated: candy
49. My favorite snow cone flavor is Tigers Blood
50. I prefer sherbet over ice-cream
51. Ice-cream is so much better on a plastic spoon
52. When I was young I was very cautious. I outgrew that, but it’s coming back to me. Must be a mom thing
53. I love a family get together
54. My best girlfriend: Megan, even though we hardly talk
55. I love simplicity
56. I’ll vote for Mitt Romney
57. I would like to be an architect
58. I would like to be a Dental Hygienist, or Photographer if I ever go back to school.
59. I would like to learn more about photography
60. I want to have a family/friends city softball liege
61. I wish I were a farmer
62. A favorite saying: You can keep going – long after you can’t
63. I love that two people can look at the same thing, and see something totally different
64. Sometimes I live in “cruise control.” I get into a routine and don’t even realize what I’m doing
65. I feel bad for people who can’t forgive and move on
66. I love the smell after it rains
67. I love to go jogging when it rains
68. My favorite time of the day: just before the sun sets – the lighting is SO beautiful
69. I love weddings, what a fun time in life
70. I love to watch movies, and I usually like them
71. Favorite shows: The Office, Lost, Prison Break
72. I love my “Outlaws” as Ellen has said
73. I don’t really envy anything and I consider that a big blessing
74. Sometimes I have a hard time wanting to go to church. Hey, I'm just being honest here.
75. I’m glad I do things even when I don’t want to
76. I am happy with myself and who I am
77. 2 weeks ago if you asked me how many kids I want, I would’ve told you “I’m wondering if I can handle more than two- today I’m thinking four!”
78. The best feeling: a good hard laugh
79. Favorite game: Black Jack, and Mafia
80. I hated playing games when I was pregnant with Tate
81. I love surprises
82. I don’t like teaching, I suck at it!
83. I am finally starting to understand visiting teaching!
84. I like to camp, but if we’re too far away from civilization, I lay awake in my tent listening to all the noises afraid of animals
85. I love road trips
86. I hate it when Cole is mad at me
87. I am a red/blue personality (Surprised you hu?)
88. I would love to have a couple horses one day
89. I’ve had tubes in my ears twice, and both ear drums broken at the same time
90. I don’t hear 100% so I’m often saying “WHAT?”
91. I’ve never had a broken bone – thanks for the strong bones mom
92. I don’t embarrass easily but I do stupid things a lot
93. I don’t really care for pop
94. When I forget something, I find myself standing in front of the fridge with the door open, staring into it thinking “What was I looking for?”
95. I love to garden, even pull weeds
96. I don’t eat enough veggies
97. I don’t like it when people leave their carts out in the parking lot
98. I’m working on expanding my vocabulary
99. I laughed the hardest when my friend Cathy thought she was shot at the gas station. A car back fired at the same time she spilled hot chocolate on her shirt. She fell to the ground screaming “I’ve been shot!”
100. I didn't have a #100, so I am adding this now. I love change. I change things all the time.