Talents

Over the last couple of weeks I have thought a lot about the gift of writing and I wish I had that talent. Maybe it is my new favorite author that inspired me. My friend Mindy encouraged me to read "Princess Academy" and it was amazing.

So then I had to read another by the same author so I read "Goose Girl." Yes these two books are basically 6th grade novels, but I highly recommend them to all ages. Everyone I have talked to loves it. My 8 year old niece is reading it. My 14 year old niece loves it. My sister loves it. I could not put it down. The week I read Princess Academy and the week I read Goose Girl I got far less sleep and Allen saw far less of me. Well he saw me, but I was too wrapped up in the book to talk. So I just want to give a shout out to Shannon Hale! Isn't she cute and very talented.

Well I lack her talent. I even feel funny writing on this silly blog because I can't write very well.

I admire many writers. My sister Julee (who is about to have a baby at any moment) is such a creative writer. She is so witty with the pen. My cousin Ashley puts words together perfectly and everything she writes is so poetic. And then on Saturday I was at a stake enrichment and there was a woman there that read a short story that she had written. I am in awe of these women that can write so beautifully. So today I was thinking, "I wish I could convey my messages and thoughts eloquently. But then I had a flashback to my elementary and middle school years. They had a story telling contest that I always entered and I made it to the district level at least a couple of times. We would memorize a story and then re-tell the story with expressions and actions. It was a highlight of the year. I think it was Heavenly Father reminding me that we all have talents and that is wonderful. If we could all write then I might not appreciate writing as much as I do. I had even forgotten about that talent and it was a nice reminder. So all you wonderful writers out there... if you ever need a story read or told you can call me!

Oops

So sometimes Allen and I get into tickle wars. But this time it might have gone too far... That is me in the background feeling really bad wondering if my husband is okay. But it was a little bit funny when people asked Allen what happened and he would say, "well my wife was tickling me and I fell off the bed and hit my head." Sorry Hunny. At least we have a story to tell our children.

Please please melt

I grew up in Southern Oregon where it rarely snows. So when I was in High School I always hoped it would snow. Especially if I stayed up till 3:00 studying for an AP Euro Test and I was so tired I had to go to bed, but felt it still wasn't enough studying. In Oregon if it snows EVERYTHING shuts down and school is canceled. We just aren't equipped for anything having to do with snow... rain yes, snow no. Go home! Stay indoors! Don't Drive until it is safe again! I also loved days when we would go play in the snow. We would drive for about 20 minutes to the mountains. We would go tubing/sledding for the afternoon and then go home. I don't really like snow infringing upon my daily activities.

About two weeks ago it snowed for 2 days straight without stopping. Here are some pictures of the snow.

This is Allen getting ready for Snow Duty

I get so paranoid about driving in the snow that Ashley had to drive me to work the entire week. Well it hasn't snowed since then but the remains are still around. So this is my plea... Sun Come Out! Snow... Please Melt... Please Melt! I miss the grass.

12 Days of Christmas

We had a great week in Tucson! Here is just a quick overview of our break summed up in the 12 Days of Christmas!

ON the 12th day of Christmas my True Love gave to me:

12 Straws for the Family Home Evening Activity

11 Cast members for the nativity Scene on Christmas Eve

10 Sticky Fingers 9 People happy about the snow (with a disappointed person behind the camera)
8 Tired kiddos
7 Frosted Christmas Trees
6 Games of Speed chess 5 times four mouths to feed 4 Children that don't have proper snow gear... hence the bathrobes :) 3 Hours of opening presents one by one (we were elected present passer outers)
2 Buzz Light Year Pajamas (Who knew that Jack Sparrow liked Buzz Light Year)
1 Great Vacation with our families!

Unfortunately we didn't get any pictures with Nana and Papa, or Kristen and Jared, or Mom... but we do have an amazing video of her dancing...

Among other activities during our stay we could include Pickle Ball, a dinner with Allen's friends from Tucson, basketball, racquetball, cards, movies, sad sad football games and just spending time with the ones we love. We had such a great time in Tucson. Thank you Nana and Papa, Kristen and Jared, Mom Sabey, Mom and Dad Burnett, Peter and Kristen, Richard and Jackie, and Laurel and Craig, and all of our nieces and nephews for making it all possible. (And sorry we brought the sickness)