Honey Do...

Travis and I finally took a week long trip away from home...we went to Boston to visit our friend. I will post about the trip in the next day or two, but the thing I have been wanting to post about is the gift we got when we arrived home.

We had some concerns taking a trip in the middle of our time with Jay, but my parents agreed to come and stay with him so he could still go to school while we were gone. This solved multiple concerns with our elderly dog, our crazy cat and our temporary son.

My Mom suggested we leave a list of "honey do's" for my Dad...didn't have to ask me twice.

This is my list...once I started thinking about it, I couldn't seem to stop and the list just kept growing. I felt a bit guilty, but at the same time, I thought these are projects I would probably try to get my Dad to come up and help me with anyway, so why not just leave a list.

It is not easy to read, so let me outline all the projects with visuals...

1) Hooks in master bath. I have tried to secure these hooks and, if I had a before picture, you would see they were missing or hanging by a severe angle and would fall out if we tired to actually hang a towel on them:

2) Gate at side of house. Our old gate was just resting against the fence because the old parts had rusted out. I didn't know how my Dad could fix this, but thought he could at least secure it as best he could for the winter so my dog didn't escape - My Dad is very creative, so I had a feeling he would figure it out. He actually searched all over the house and found an extra gate hidden in a "spare parts" area by our storage space...nice:

3) If you have time...you can fill up the water barrel that you gave us for Christmas last year. We want to get that handled before we disconnect the hoses this year. My Dad filled up the water barrel AND disconnected all our hoses on top of that:

4) We have a broken stair on the deck...DONE!

5) We have a rail that go broken by falling ice 2 winters ago that needs to be fixed...DONE:

Not only did I have a "preferred project list" but my parents had their own agenda - GREAT!!

6) Every laundry room needs shelves and curtains, especially if there is a weird window that goes directly to the entry...MOM - I LOVE the curtains and I cannot believe how much extra storage those shelves make in the room!! I am SO excited about this and can't believe we did not ask for your assistance with shelves and curtains before...THANK YOU!!!

7) My Mom called me while I was in Boston and told me my sister Amy was at the house visiting with her kids. I made a big show of how it would be great if Amy came up when I was actually there, etc. just having fun with them, but when I got home and looked at my "honey do" list I saw a note that says "sew quilt - Mom/Amy" - I immediately ran upstairs and saw this:

It was on my bed, but I neglected to take a photo at the time. I just need to cut some additional squares and I will have the full bedspread. It looks beautiful and I heard after the fact that the quilt is SO heavy my Dad had to help feed through the last sections and my beautiful sister's needle broke on the last square. I am so grateful for the effort that went into this quilt. It is hanging over my loft railing right now and I love looking at it every day. I understand it will be that much more amazing when it is on my bed, but I know I am loved every time I look up there.

8) My Dad also did a ton of work in my yard...there is so much to do, but he cut out a bunch of over growth that is evidenced by this photo:

I'm not even sure if I got it all, but I am SO GRATEFUL!!! These projects probably would have taken me 5 years to do on my own or several visits from my parents on several weekends. Travis and I still cannot believe how lucky we are to have such generous parents and siblings.  THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

I Am SO Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: “In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance.” -- Dieter F. Uchtdorf 

A Roof Over Head

I am writing tonight with the express purpose to show gratitude for a roof that does not leak. I know I have written about our roof issues in the past and tonight I can report the issue is resolved. It wasn't free, but I am grateful we had the means to handle the project that, expensive as it was to us, is priceless for peace of mind.

Living in Summit Park brings with it many amazing features in nature, most of which are big...BIG snow storms, BIG rain storms, BIG moose; since we have moved into our home we have also experienced some BIG repairs. The first time our roof leaked we had a roofer come up to do some work on the areas we suspected were the issue...problem solved. NOPE. We had them come back out - still no go. We had the roofers come out over 5 times to work on the same issue and they were never able to solve the problem.

Over the last 3 years we contemplated just repairing the section that gave us the most grief and we probably could have gotten away with it, but in the end we decided to go for broke and replace the whole thing so we could get a long time warranty on the work and feel confident we took care of the issue. Travis got 3 bids and we got the work started.

Can you believe the whole roof is in the picture listed above? Let's forget for a minute this is the wrong product and had to be removed and the new stuff brought in - another story for another day and just the name of the game when doing a large construction project. You may also be wondering why the siding was removed from the house. Well, one of the problems was the siding was installed incorrectly and was one of the main reasons the roof was leaking. we had the whole upper level installed with new siding that now we have to paint, but it looks good and we feel it will solve the issue.

The roof took about 6 weeks to completely finish. During this time there were about 4 major rain storms - we thought the leaking roof was bad before? We had to move our leather couches out of our living room because the roof was creating such an issue for us during one storm and it just makes me that much more grateful the project is done.

One of my favorite pictures. That skylight there looks right into our master bedroom and bathroom. Talk about a surprise the first day they were up there and barely making it around the bend to huddle in the only blind spot in the room, wrapped in a towel, waiting for them to move on. After that experience I was sure to be dressed for the day no later than 7:00 a.m. and I didn't even chance using the 'facilities' after that time.

We actually have talked a lot since we moved here about covering up the skylight. It makes it pretty hot in the room during August, but they covered the skylight up for a few days while they were working and I cannot believe how dark and dreary it was up there...we left it and I am glad to feel confident I would have hated not having it.

On Sunday there was a HUGE rain storm. I think this is the first real rain storm I was actually able to enjoy since we moved here 3 years ago, knowing the roof was doing it's job.

 
Now we just need to paint the new wood and all will be set for winter. The very week the roof was done I took these amazing photos of a rainbow on my way to work. I felt like it was there just for me.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Participitating

Yes, I spelled it that way on purpose. Our office started a Community Foundation this past Spring and we have done 3 main projects so far and are onto our 4th of the year. One of the issues has been getting information out to the company, the other issue is not getting everyone involved even though we know people INTEND to get involved or donate or bring stuff, etc.

I decided it was time to put together a formal presentation that can be delivered to the agents in a fun way and to get across our point that one has to decide to participate and then take action. I enlisted the assistance of my MOST creative and AMAZING sister, Amy Drake, who, after a few trial and errors, came up with exactly what I had in mind:

Once upon a time a certain Community Foundation requested the assistance of its 

Tator friends to assist with a few projects meant to better the lives of others...

there were several different responses from many different Tators:

This "Dictator" is a real hot head - He likes to tell everyone what to do, 

but very rarely makes any effort himself:

These "Spectators" watch all the action, but never really have the whole picture:

The "Commentator" is NEVER at a loss for "Wahhs":

These "Couch Potato's" had NO Comment:

Especially THIS one:

The Urgency to "GO" is almost too much for this "Anticipitator", 

she's always getting ready, but just never heads out:

The "Participitator" decides to take action, 
learn and try new things and, as a result,
makes a difference to those around her

I am super pleased by this little story and feel it will be meaningful and fun as I explain the various options each agent has to "participitate" in the Foundation and how, with a little effort, a small group of people can make a very big difference. 

THANK YOU my beautiful sister Amy!! I asked and I received - you are the best example of a "Participitator" that I know. This is her working on our first attempt at the "Tator" persons...

Love you!

I AM Grateful,

HB

Diva Quote: "We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop." -- Mother Theresa 

Gammy

Today we got to go to my parents house for a BBQ. Travis and I usually only stay 2 - 3 hours when we go to visit with family and today that felt short. I had a very nice time talking with the siblings and my parents.

I was thinking about the most recent family events and remembered when my Mom took us all up to Rainbow Gardens in Ogden; this was while my sister from Florida was in town. My Mother has some very precious memories of going to this place with her mother and we had a really nice time together. I was able to spend several hours with my sisters and their girls, here are some of my favorite pictures from that visit:

I loved spending the day with my sisters, their daughters and my Mom; I hope we are able to do it every year...maybe even somewhere new each year - very good idea Mom.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." -- Bernard Meltzer

Instant Teenager

We were able to pick up Jay, our foreign exchange student from China, on Monday night. He has been trying to catch up with our time zone all week, but seems to be adjusting well.

Jay is the nicest person I have met in a long time. He is so polite. Jay opens all the doors for me, won't let me carry his plate to the kitchen sink, wouldn't let me carry anything from baggage claim to the car when he arrived, has offered to help me with chores tomorrow and lets us drag him anywhere we want to take him.

The very first night he was here and we took his things downstairs and just before we went to bed, he asked if he could call us "Mom" and "Dad". Travis and I looked at each other and said "sure". Travis told me later he was going to tell him to just call him "Travis", but that hasn't happened yet, so I think we just needed to get used to the idea. The best part now is, Travis calls me "Mom" when he is talking to Jay - i.e. "Jay, go ask Mom if she wants a glass of water"...very cute. Truly, it is not really that weird because the program calls us the "Host Mom and Dad" it is really just interesting for us because we have never been a Mom or Dad.

The first few days here Jay was a bit shy, but he is opening up more each day. He finally told me he did not want to do something today, which I thought was a good sign that he is getting more comfortable with us. Travis constantly teases Jay. I think he is getting used to it and is a very good sport. I know it is hard for Jay because, while he understands much of what is said, he does not understand it all and he runs into road blocks. It would be very difficult to go to a foreign Country to study without fully knowing the language. I bet in two months Jay will be a pro.

Jay also brought us gifts and was planning to bring gifts to the family get together this evening and we told him "no". He seemed confused because that is what they do in China when they are invited to someones house for the first time. No wonder he was dismayed at the size of my family - he might not have enough gifts in his bags :). In this picture you can see the panda decoration Jay's parents sent with him. We also got some tea and a very nice set of 8 pairs of chop sticks.

Jay Long - very tall

It has been very good having Jay with us this past week. I think he is going to like it here just fine and I think we will really love getting to know him. It is definitely and adventure for all of us, that is for sure.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then rest afterward." Spanish Proverb

Cedar's Shakespeare

I attempted to take a few days off work last Thursday and Friday to spend some time at the Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City, UT with my Mother-in-law (Joleen) and Sister-in-law (Vikki). I actually had a pretty great time.

I had different expectations of the festival than I actually experienced. I pictured lots of medieval costumes, there were some, and I thought ALL the plays were Shakespeare plays...nope. We saw a total of 4 plays in 2 days.

The first night we saw "Loves Labors Lost" - this IS a Shakespeare play. We learned this was one of his first comedies written and performed. It is about a tiny kingdom and a Prince who enlists his friends to do nothing but study for three years - no overindulgence of any kind and no women. Well, here comes a princess and her buddies on an errand from a neighboring kingdom, one with which this other smaller kingdom has a treaty with. Needless to say, shenanigans ensue and lots of things are said that escaped me, but the actors did a fantastic job translating the feelings into the speeches so, even if I missed something that was said, I still followed what was going on. I only nodded off a few times.

The next morning we went to a 'reading' of a new play being put in production. There was just a table and some chairs on the stage and the actors had their binders open and were semi-reading the lines of the play. It was pretty incredible how they were still able to convey all the emotion behind the words and I realized we didn't even need the costumes and the scenery to experience the play. This one was called "Shunned" and is about an Amish boy who falls in love with the theatre and struggles with the choices he needs to make concerning his life's commitment to his family and way of life. It was pretty sad and thought provoking.

The afternoon play was "Anything Goes" - this was a pure musical. LOT's of costume changes, great dancing and singing, funny dialogue, old Hollywood glam...really fun. I did fall asleep a few times, but I was still entertained by a very good show.

The last, and best, show was "Peter and the Star Catcher". This play is the pre-qual of how Peter Pan became the boy that stays a boy, can fly and comes to be on the Island of Neverland. It was very unique, the way they used the props of the play. I don't think I can even explain it on this post, but there was very little use of actual scenery, but props of people and ropes were used to fashion doors and stairs - it sounds strange, and it was, but it really worked. This is the only play I watched that I didn't actually nod off in - it was action packed, funny and smart.

Besides plays, we did a bit of shopping, ate every meal out (some were VERY good), watched a few green shows (pre-shows with dancing, singing and terrible comedy), had a run in with a transvestite, laughed a lot, cried just a little, overreacted to my excellent driving skills, bought a bushel of peaches, stopped by the cheese factory on the way home to stock up on cheese curd, watched to make sure the price of chicks did not exceed 99 cents, shared a room with snoring (me), early rising (Joleen), deep sighing (Vikki) ladies who were very easy going and fun companions.

I'd do it again - and next time I'll bring my Mom as well.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." -- Henry Miller

Good Times

Company Time

I just got home from our companies first annual Summer party. It sounded like a great way to get to know some of the new agents that recently joined the company (over 60 to be exact) and to meet some of the agents families that I have been working with over this last year.

I was expecting hamburgers and hot dogs for dinner, but should have known George and John do nothing normal. The food was WONDERFUL. There was a zucchini, bean & olive salad, crab macaroni salad, raspberry/walnut green salad, smokey baked beans with a little spicy kick, raspberry grilled chicken and smoked pork tenderloin w/pineapple habanero sauce. Yum.

There was also two big bouncy houses, tug-o-war (very funny), volleyball, prize packet drawing for a big bucket of family games, face painting, etc. Pretty nice party. I realize I gave the bosses the credit - it was really one of our Broker's that put it all together and she did a VERY nice job.

The best part of the night was all the little kids. There seemed to be 50 two year olds there - all these darling little people, not quite chatty yet, just running all over the place. So cute. I did get a chance to catch up with several of the agents I have gotten to know this year and also spent some time with some of the new agents - it was good.

I was also happy Travis was there with me. There was natural resistance initially, but I love bringing Travis to meet the people I work with. He is so good looking and I love it when people ask how long we have been married and I get to say "18 years" and they always do a double take on Travis. It always makes me laugh inside.

Just today, after Travis left the party, I had several people tell me how good looking he is. I love telling Travis about it later - he gets embarrassed and I am sure it makes him feel good. I like to think it adds some mystery to me in the viewers eyes..."what is so great about Heather that she has a husband like that"? Well, you will just have to get to know me to find out. LOL.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "At every party there are two kinds of people - those who want to go home and those who don't. The trouble is, they are usually married to each other."  Ann Landers