Hey you...

.... what ya doin'? It's a "lonely" Thursday night and I know there are a gazillion people I could go visit but I don't feel like it so I checked out a few blogs and Traci's was one of them and I wish I could direct you all to read it but it's "private" and I have to say I feel like I've had a visit with her as she has told me about her life right now and what she's doing so I decided I needed to do the same as I sit here on the edge of "melancholy" (I looked it up and by googling it found this book called "Against Happiness: In Praise of Melancholy" that I think I'll read because I'm totally "tired" of trying to "always" be happy. It's just not possible.) Don't get me wrong...I'm basically happy but just not "always" and I think it's o.k. I just have to convince myself that it's o.k. I was walking around the circle tonight and our once very lively neighborhood has pretty much turned into a ghost town and I wondered whose door I could knock on to get rid of this loneliness I feel. Sometimes "melancholy" just isn't something you want to share....it could be contagious you know but I came home and started working on James and Lauri's wedding video and found this picture. I named it "Hairspray" and I have to tell you that when Joyce and I were checking out at Target today, we saw a lady with this very same hairstyle but without the bow but there was a distinct "crease" between the ratted-up hair and the bangs that was screaming for a bow, you know one of those on a little clippy like the one in Traci's hair in this picture. It made me smile and think of simpler times....well not when it comes to hairdos. It wasn't all that "simple" to do all that curling and ratting but I mean actually the good ol' days when my life consisted of my husband and kids and Traci's blog today reminded me of how quickly those days went by. So, for this night, I will be melancholy and it will be o.k. If you are truly happy right now and feeling pure joy and doing everything you want to do in life, I'm very happy for you. I do truly admire "happy people" but I'm not really sure it's in my genetic makeup to be that way all the time. Having a cloudy day once in a while really makes us appreciate the sunshine. My wish for us all is "basic" happiness but also, courage to face our demons and let them make us better. I really might add this book to my bookshelf because I'm pretty impressed with the author's credentials and the fact that he lives in NC (and teaches at Wake Forest) and I read and liked some of his other articles so I think I'll give it a go. (clickity click HERE to read more about Eric Wilson, especially his biography). I think I'd like to take a class from him....but until then, I'll add another "self-help" book to my library.

Wanna know what makes me smile?

This........

So...what's going on in your world?.....

......I often ponder that as I sit in my house alone wondering where my friends and family are and what they are doing. Sometimes I can check a blog to find out, but other times, I'm left to wonder and continue doing what I'm doing, wondering if anyone's wondering what I'm doing....so, just in case someone is wondering what I'm doing or what I'm thinking, I blog. It doesn't really matter because I don't know who reads this but it helps me feel connected to someone....whomever you may be. So this is what's going on. I'm out of my "funk"....and on to getting ready for a very important occasion around here. My so-called "funk" I think has been brought on by the thoughts of finally being "done" as Lauri gets married in a little less than three weeks and I'm thick into the preparations, but also thick into the sadness of giving her away. She's not mine any more. I have to give her to James....and he's one lucky guy. I want to talk a little bit about Lauri right now.

She's a friend to all, enemy to none (that I know of) and always willing to be the initiator of a friendship whether it be traveling many hours to be to a special occasion or baking cookies just to say "I'm thinking of you" and "you mean something to me". She's a "giver" and always willing to help out whether it be babysitting for brothers and her sis or doing my grocery shopping (she did spoil me there) or just being there to listen, laugh or make you laugh. She's been willing to forego her comfort to help anyone less fortunate and she proved that on her mission to Tucson, in Mexico during an internship through BYU and now in her job, as she helps people find and succeed in their jobs. As we prepare for her wedding, it's her turn to be the center of our attention and I hope we can make it a day to remember. She knows what's important about that day, her temple sealing and being with her friends and family. If there is anyone reading this that didn't get a wedding announcement and you know Lauri and want to celebrate with us, please join us. I've cried many tears as I think about this day but I'm so very happy as I see how happy and devoted she is to James....and it's as it should be. I love you Lauri. I hope this day is everything you ever dreamed of.

Just thinkin' 'bout Jack....

.....has helped me get out of my "funk" (a state of nervous depression) a bit.

It's Jack's third birthday tomorrow and it's interesting for me to think about Jack turning 3 when it seems he was just born yesterday. He's a cutie....with 2 big brothers to "school" him and he's learning well for a "Wii little man" and when I visited in January, he was at least going through the motions of learning how to play....probably an expert by now thanks to the help and coaching of Seth.....master of Mario Kart. I love you little guy and hope you have a great day.

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This is enough to put a smile on my face as well. Emily's been a hit in the play "Once on This Island" and George is a joy to watch as well. Good kids and good times.

We all ventured out to Tuacahn last night to see our "stars" in action. So very darling.....love these kids.

Happy Birthday, Maycee girl....

.....and she's a sweetie. Awesome big sister to 2 little brothers and a good helper to her mom and dad. She dances, does gymnastics, loves to draw and has friends galore. This is a big one as she will be baptized next month. You go girl......you are totally waaaay cute and I love your new hairdo. You rock!!!!!

A sneak preview of George and Emily in......

...."Once on This Island". They do such a cute job for such little kids. Their cousin Josh is also in it and the three of them are amazing. Play practice is grueling....they stuck it out for 4 1/2 hours tonight....going through the play twice. I got to be the "stage mom" which means, I just sat there and watched the play two times through but it reminded me of sneaking in and watching Kyle in "Oklahoma". I originally posted videos but wanted to put these pics on because I'm now making my blog book.

This was such an amazing experience to watch these kids in this play. I'm hoping it's just the beginning of many experiences to come at this great venue. I HEART TUACAHN.....

Here comes another generation...

.....of great baseball. Nothin' like the "Jim McArthur/Scott Wells" era of Little League Baseball and here it is all over again. Goin' to the park tonight was "yesterday once more" as I was greeted by Jim and Denise McArthur coming to watch their grandson, Aaron and Tammy's boy who is on the same team as McKay. Aaron is coaching with Mason helping when he can. Wonder how much finanglin' we'll have to do to keep the Wells/McArthur thing going. That's Aaron and his big, patient smile...just like his dad. (McKay is #13) It's just dang fun watchin' these boys play ball. It's the happenin' place to be on Wednesday afternoon; just like headin' out to the farm only there's this really nice baseball complex and lots of houses. Some things change, but some things stay the same....like huge hats and lookin' forward to the "after game" treats. And ya gotta know........

...the "catcher" is still the most sought-after position on the team. McKay has the same enthusiasm the little kid here on Mason's team had. At one point, McKay had his mitt on his head and was playing with the dirt. Not a lot of action in "T-ball" but when it was his turn to hit, he did, and he ran pretty fast too. Not quite where his dad was at this stage of the game but it's only gonna get better and I can look forward to some fun times ahead....

I'll shift gears tomorrow and head out to play practice at Tuacahn and watch George and Emily "act up a storm" in "Once on This Island". Can't wait....Oh and BTW....the invitations are ready for the mail but I may wait one more day and avoid the April 15 rush.

Remember back in the day....

....when you would tell your mom "I'm sick, I can't go to school today...." well...when my kids did that, I was willing to let them stay home but they had to stay in bed, no t.v., no playing. I took a sick day, and....although I probably could have watched a movie or two, I had to stay true to my nature as a mother and I "forced" myself to stay in bed all day and sleep....and it was "oh, so....nice". I think I was just worn out from a funfilled and jam-packed week-end but it was nice and I'm "back and at it" today. Hope you had a great week-end. While Spencer and his fam were heading home from their Gulf Shores vacay and Traci and her fam were hiking up Ocaneeche Mountain, this was my week-end and I loved every minute of it. I got to take Emily to play practice at Tuacahn. She's in the play "Once on This Island"......

...it reminded me of the good ol' theater days and Dixie High School when Kyle was in "Oklahoma" and I would get the kids settled after school and go over and watch play practice, every single day. It's fun to see Emily be so patient and serious about this part. She's adorable....to say the least.

This one made me a little nervous but I just love Tuacahn....and the cool things they can do with this set. I also attended George's Pinewood Derby at the Scout-o-Rama. No pics however, he won both of his heats but didn't win the overall. Good showing though George.

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I also had houseguests which I pretty much ignored because I was so busy (sorry Jake and Amy)....but it was good to see them (Jake was my boss when I served my mission at the Church Office Building) and I hope they enjoyed the warm Dixie sunshine for a couple of days.

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I spent some time with Miller while Mason and his fam went to Quincy's baptism and then Kyle's kids came over for the evening. I was too tired to do much with George, Emily, Evan and Matty so I let them have at it with a package of Costco cups. Kept them busy the whole evening and was really fun to watch. Such creative little kids.

.....and this being the 2nd Sunday, meetings from 8:15 to 3:30.....whew.....I needed a sick day and it felt oh, so good. I think I already said that. I didn't even have time to wish my good friend Phyllis a happy birthday on Saturday but we lunched together last Thursday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PHYLLIS. Hope you had a good one with your family. That's it folks....over and out. Have a great week. Lauri's wedding plans coming right along.....always lots to do. Announcements should be in the mail this week.

A quick trip to Provo....

....... isn’t so bad if you take George Strait along and that’s just what I did yesterday. He was so good to cooperate with me and sing to me the whole way. I think someone should write a broadway play that incorporates all of his songs, kinda like the way they took the Abba songs and turned them into“Mama Mia”. George’s could start out being about “All His Ex’s “ that live in Texas….and intertwine their lives from Sweet Eilene from Abilene and Roxanna from Texarkana and weave the story around all their ups and downs in love…oh, you get the idea but I seriously got clear to Provo on my George Strait Playlist. Reminds me of the good ol’ days when we used to make it to Pine Valley on one “Judd’s, Sylvia, or Oakridge Boys” CD or even better, the old Buick tape that was a mix including some Pointer Sister’s songs and Spencer’s song “He’s So Shy” or Mason’s song “Kisses Like Fire” or something like that. Anyway, good ol’ "sing-a-long” songs make for good travel companions and on the way back home today, after talking for a bit with Gayle, she reminded me that a good book on tape is great too….but I’d already heard the ones I have downloaded so I went to my “Favorites” playlist and that got me clear on down the interstate…as I passed the old Columbia Motel there in Provo it was playing “….get me a ticket for an airoplane, ain’t got time to take a fast train, lonely days are gone, I’m a goin’ home, my baby wrote me a letter….(were you singing along?) which came out right when we were in the thick of State Tournament Playoffs and the Columbian was where all the partiers stayed….(I wasn't one of them, you know that don't you? I was over the way with the Pep Club, yes I was).....oh, the memories. Memories are also good travel companions and I had plenty of them all the way home. Pulling in to gas up was “Sweet Caroline” and I was whisked right back to Utah State........

......remembering those years rooming with Carol Ann and Phyllis….(and a blind date with Randall Hansen) wondering if any of us became “True Aggies” that year. ....(and wondering where Randall Hansen is now). I’m pretty sure Phyllis did and if I did, it wasn’t a kiss to remember ‘cause I sure don’t remember anything happening on this “A”. But I was really whisked back to the old Woodward Gym when “Bobbie’s Girl” came on….those days of learning to dance in P.E. and having to walk around the gym, boys in one circle, girls in the other and when the music stopped, that was yer dance partner. Then about Beaver, where Paul Thomas lives now whom I had a huge crush ‘round about the Neil Sedaka era, I found myself singing to the top of my lungs “Calendar Girl” remembering when Mary Phoenix instigated the “Calendar Girl” assembly and 12 girls had to stand up there on the stage in swim suits. Don’t remember much other than I thought it was “appalling” to say the least. I do know most of the words to Neil Sedaka’s songs though and he got me on to almost Parowan when I heard (sing along with me)..... “Children behave, that’s what they say when we’re together, watch how you play, they don’t understand and so we’re….runnin’ just as fast as we can, holdin’ on to one another’s hand….tryin’ to get away, into the night…and then you put your arms around me and we tumble to the ground and then you say…..I think we’re alone now, there doesn’t seem to be anyone around….I think we’re alone now, the beating of our hearts is the only sound” ….I guess that’s better than what the kids listen to now but really…. c’mon….I remember that one came out and Jill was the first to buy the “single” of it and we ended up at her house that was across the street from the track…..then that reminded me of the day Miss J made us run track in the rain….anyway, that song just reminds me of Jill. Then at the Joshua tree there just south of Leeds was.... “It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to, cry if I want to….” and my thoughts turned to Shirlee and I have to admit, by now the memories were getting to me and I started to sob as that’s where she lost her life in a car accident so very many years ago. Then a few more cry songs, “It’s Judy’s Turn to Cry” and one that really took me back….”Sad Movies Make Me Cry”….oh, my….by now I’m almost home and what a fast trip. It was fun though to really “feel” as I listened to the various songs and it made me realize how powerful music is…..and I need to make sure I listen to the good stuff too. Next time I’ll stick to MoTab and Michael Dowdle and I may even listen to my scriptures once I get them loaded onto my Ipod…..or not.

Sometimes things just don't go as planned....

.....they turn out even better, as did today. I was supposed to be at General Conference as it's been a while since I've been there. Since serving my mission in the Translation Department of the Church and being able to go behind the scenes every conference, I've longed to be there but just haven't been able to go. This was going to be the conference for me, but I couldn't swing some tickets, and I, for one, know they are hard to come by. I remember sneaking a family member of one of the translators down the back elevators. Now if the people in charge of conference can't get extra tickets, not sure who can. I digress....so back to this day. Since Easter's past used to include a little skeet shooting, dumper riding and egg cracking.......

...I knew I needed to throw something together and tho' we had none of the above, we had a good time. The day included good food.....(the adults eating at the bar and the kids at the table, go figure.)

.....a back-yard Easter egg hunt......

......cookie decorating with JoEllen's "to die for" sugar cookies.....

.....and a plain ol' impromptu good time with my family......

.......(Matty's thinking "What's that thing in your mouth?"....and Miller did say "...where her binkie?")

I hope everyone is having a great Easter weekend, enjoying Conference and some good family time. It's been a great day....I love my family and miss the ones that aren't here. I miss my mission and being behind the scenes watching the amazing translation process.....but so grateful I had that opportunity. I'll get to conference one of these years. I'm so grateful we can enjoy it on t.v.....(I caught a couple of "Final Four" games as well....Go Duke!!!!!......good day)......

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Just one more thing before I call it a night. A while back, I wrote a little piece about my basement and if you missed it, you might want to clickity click HERE to see that I do have fond feelings for that "lower forty" of my house. For a few hours today, it turned into a restaurant and kept the kids busy for a good long time and I still don't really care much what goes on down there so here you have it......let's start with the "layout"! Notice the nicely layed out pathway of blocks......

....then the menu. You may have to clickity click on it to get the full effect.....

...and the crew at work.....

....and last but not least, the grateful customer. I'm wondering if he left a tip......

Next time yer in the 'hood', stop by the "Wells Fine Diner" and see what they're servin'up!!!!! ....I know you're gonna want some of that " realy speshall desert" and you'll notice the last entry on the menu......you're gonna wanna book this place for your next "romantic dinner". Sorry for the long post....it's been an eventful day......

See the resemblance?

I watched Monsters Inc. again this past week-end...couldn't help thinking about Matty when I saw Boo.......