Appropriate for this blessed FLU season!

I was just searching out some good music to put on my playlist when I came across this somewhat familiar catchy tune from Guys and Dolls. I thought the information might be very helpful for all of us enduring the flu this winter... (The song is called Aldelaide's Lament ). I just have to keep reminding myself that March- Spring!- is just around the corner!

How do I tell thee? Let me count the words...

I have wanted to do this for a long time, as I thought all of you would enjoy it; As many of you know, Grace LOVES to talk! She starts as soon as she wakes up in the mornings, til she goes to bed at night... and even then we have caught her talking in her sleep!
So, to give you a glimpse into just what she might be talking about, here is a list of words that she has words for- most of which are pretty understandable! It amazes me, everyday, how gifted our sweet little girl is (the sweet part of her only slightly diminishes when she screams!:)She says:
Bird, Blanket, Water, Hurt, Thank you, Moon, Juice, More, Dad, Mom, Grace, Bread, Cheese, Dog, Duck, Frog, Horse, Baby, Book, Walk, Stairs, Elevator (it's her favorite toy!), Outside, Hot, Tickle, Bree and Lilly (her two best friends), All done, Pea, Banana (comes out as "nana"), Piano, Grandma, Grandpa, Emma, Deborah (she calls her Buddy), Daniel, Slide, Poop, Knife, Fork, Spoon, No (it's more like NO NO NO!), and occasionally Yes...

She signs:
Milk, Please, Bear, Book, Bath, Potty, Cereal, Wait, Boy, Girl, Cold (she mostly says Oooh!), You're Welcome, Friend, Dirty, Play...

And the list is growing! Just recently she has started to really try and say every word we say. WHOAH! Never have we had to pay such close attention, not only to what we do, but especially to what we say! Sam and I went on a date over the weekend thanks to our friend Ashley. And now, Grace says her name when she sees her. It's amazing! I think not only have I underestimated her intelligence, I bore her to death at home! So, we have found many activities and friends to keep us busy. It's exhausting, yes, but it's much better than hearing the sad cries of a child who wants to do SO much, ALL of the time!
P.S. I have posted the recipe for the best wheat rolls ever! Enjoy!

Let's Try Something New!

First of all, I have to say thank you so much, to all of you, for your supportive comments, and your love and friendship. It was a good experience, going out to Utah for the funeral. I really wanted to see so many friends and family, but we just spent time with family this time around. The next time we come to visit, we will make it a point to see everyone!

On another note, I have added a couple of new things to my blog. One is that I am using my camera more often, and I wanted to share my pictures with you. They are not professional, in any sense of the word, but I enjoy it, and want to get better, so I thought you might enjoy them too. Also, a couple of you crazy people wanted my recipe for the tacos we had one night. Well, since I don't have a recipe for that (at the moment!), I can't give it to you- but I HAVE decided to post a weekly recipe on my blog, for those of you who are willing to try your taste buds on my experiments. I will try to remember to change the recipe weekly- and I hope you survive them! Okay, seriously, the recipes I will post will be wicked good- in my opinion at least.

And now starts the vigorous training for two up coming triathlons- one on March 29th, and the 2nd one on April 5th! I'll let you know how the training goes!

A Tribute

I know that everyone has heard and read much about the recent passing of our beloved prophet President Gordon B. Hinkley. I have struggled with my thoughts of what I could say that could add meaning and value to the flood of support and sympathy that has been offered. I decided that what I can do is offer my thanks and pay tribute to a man whose teachings and example helped me to serve as a better missionary, be a better friend, a better mother, a better companion. Because of him, I LOVE the Book of Mormon, I LOVE Germany (mind you, I promised myself I would NEVER go there, let alone to serve a mission there!), and I live in a small town just MINUTES away from a temple where I may worship and receive the blessings of eternity. So, although I never met him, and never talked to him, he knew me, and knew just what I needed through the course of his 18 years as prophet, seer and revelator. I look forward to the day when I can meet him, and thank him for helping me to stand a little taller, and be a little better.
I also want to pay tribute to my grandmother who passed away on Tuesday. I remember when I was younger she told me "Don't have any regrets". I have never forgotten that. I find myself thinking now "If Only..."; If only I could have had just one more summer evening with her on the front porch swing, making jokes and laughing about life; If only I could have just one more piece of advice on how to raise good children, and be a good mother; if only I could have just one more chance to tell her I love her...
But I would still not be satisfied. So, I love you, Grandma. I love you for your example- I hope that I can be like you someday. I know that I will see you again- I can promise you that I will do all that I can to make sure that happens. But knowing that doesn't make it any easier that you are gone. Please give Grandpa a hug and a kiss from us too. Our greatest joy now is knowing that you are together again, and that one day, we'll be home, with you.