Happy Birthday MOM!!!!!

This is a picture of me celebrating your birthday, Mom. Actually it's us celebrating Ryan's birthday, but since a lot of people think that Ryan sounds like you on the phone, I figure it's close enough. Today is Mary Lu's Big Day!!! Happy Birthday Mom!! Hope your day is fabulous!! Wish we could be with you! Make Dad buy you something fun in Idaho Falls!! I love you!!

Who is that good looking redhead?

I don't know that this is the best picture of my dad, but it is pretty tough to get a picture of him looking natural. I don't know how to begin to say what a blessing that this man has been to me. My whole life he has supported me. And even though he would pretend to have a heart attack when he got our dance costume bill, or he would vacuum at ridiculous hours of the morning, or he would sing ridiculous songs for our friends, I adore this man. He has accomplished so much in his life. And besides the fact that he is the mayor of Blackfoot, he has bulging muscles from swimming before the crack of dawn, and he is every one's favorite paper boy...the most important thing still for me is that he is my dad. When times are tough for me, he comforts me and blesses my life more than he will ever know. Thanks Dad for all you do! I love you!! Happy Father's Day--Berly

Birthday Glamour Girl

Isn't she a vision? Yep, that's my sister Laura. It's definitely her big day! So, hap hap Happy Birthday to you Beak, Laura Leela Lula, my favorite redheaded sister!! I adore you and thank my lucky stars for you!

Sure Would like to see Sherwood in Concert

I love this band!! A customer told me about them a while back and within the last month I have gotten into their music and it is very good. Check them out!

Something Magical!!

I am not quite sure how to explain this phenomenon, but this product is a bit of a miracle. I bought it on a whim today, with the thought that I desperately needed to get some soap scum off of my shower and bathtub. I love it!! Here is why I love it. First, and this goes without saying, but Mr. Clean really is super hot! I mean look at those muscles. The earring might be a bit over the top, but who cares when he looks so damn good. And second, this product allows you to feel like you aren't going to be sore the next day from scrubbing so hard...that is what the gym is for, right? Anyway, try it I know you will love it. And you can use it on a variety of surfaces, not just your shower and bath. As Mark Loveless would say, "It'll change your life."

Storms

I have actually been thinking a lot about storms recently, so it seems fitting that today it's dark and rainy. Lately I have been reading a particular scripture frequently. I had heard it several times before, but my mom reminded me of it a couple of weeks ago. It's found in Matthew 14:22-31. A storm comes while Jesus' disciples are in a ship. Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. His disciples think that it is a spirit and they are afraid. Jesus says to them, "Be of good cheer. It is I. Be not afraid." Jesus asks Peter to come. Peter walked on the water to go to Jesus. vs. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous , he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying Lord save me. vs. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Sometimes it is so windy, like it was last night. And sometimes it rains and it's dark and there is lightning and thunder and we are tossed to and fro like the ship and we are afraid. But, when the Lord asks us to trust him, we should so that we don't start to sink like Peter. Trust that He knows what's best for us. Trust that he will bless us when we are faithful to his word. The Sun will come again and so will the Son. His light provides hope, warmth, and comfort during times of storm and darkness. This storm will also cleanse and give life to the earth. The earth changes and is made beautiful, as are we after our storms.

The Fray's back to see Kimmy!!

Guess who is coming to SLC on July 31? I'm getting tickets tomorrow. Anyone wanna go? Eric, you had better not make any bad comments because I know that deep down you love them.

Dream Vacation

My friend Laura from work is going to Disneyland next week and I'll admit that I am so jealous! I absolutely love Disneyland! And I was just wondering if any of you would like to go with me this summer. Any takers?

Twilight

I have had a little bit more time to do some leisure reading and I know that many of you have read this book already, but it's definitely hard for me to put it down. So if you haven't read it, you should. Even the cover is beautiful, don't you think?

The hospital stay

Last night I went to see a friend that had been taken to the emergency room. She went in at 4pm, was in the emergency room until 1am, and then was admitted into a regular hospital room. Her roommate was there with me and I just got home about 15 minutes ago. Needless to say, it was an interesting night, one that I would not like to duplicate anytime soon. It made me appreciate more fully nurses and their constant care. As a matter of fact, remember my good friend Jared, the purse snatcher? Well, he just happened to be working last night/this morning in the ER. I respect definitely respect him more and it was pleasant and comforting to see a familiar face. I also realized the goodness of people, including my friend who is sick. Her attitude is amazing! Say a little prayer for her for me today.

The Babes of the 7th ward

This is our ward softball team. Aren't they beautiful. Yeah, I'm not in the picture. I don't play. I am a cheerleader. That's where I belong.

Mom

I had to steal this picture because it is one of my favorites of Mom.

So, I was talking to my Mom yesterday, as I do on most days, except this time it happened to be mother's day. That didn't change the fact that she listened to me and comforted me when I needed the most. I thought it fitting, however, that she was taking care of me on her day, the one day of the year that is set aside for her, she was doing the very thing that we recognize her for. She was strengthening me, offering words of encouragement, and making me laugh. What a dear friend she is to me . She takes no thought of herself and I hope and pray that I will be half the mother she is one day.

P.S. It's okay that you didn't like that lesson, Mom. Not one of my favorites either ; )

A few of my favorite things

Some of the things I love (In no particular order)

1. The Virtue family (they make me laugh, even when I'm crying).

2. Singing in my car. Usually I turn the music up really loud. I sound much better.

3. I love visiting my sisters at the Riverside. Many of them say that I should take up permanant residence there.

4. I love summer nights and the way it smells in my room when I leave the window open.

5. I love chocolate covered cinnamon bears. Always have. Always will, even though they have sugar in them.

6. I love anything that reminds me of old friends (pictures, music, smells)

7. I love any movie where the main actress is a redhead. (Bandits, The Village, Annie). All good films.

8. I love the beautiful city of Seattle. Lot's of good memories there.

9. I love sugar free cookies with oatmeal and crasins.

10. I love how I feel after I have gone on a good run.

Stay tuned and watch from more of Kimmy's favorites

Your love is better than chocolate

This Thursday and Friday was Women's conference. One crazy time at the good old BYU. As most of you know, I work at the BYU barbershop and just across the hall from us is the charming and lovely Campus Craft and Floral and upstairs is the BYU Bookstore where they sell fudge (the women go crazy for this particular commodity). Also upstairs is the cougareat where they sell delicious salad wraps that women enjoy, but even more enjoyment comes from the beautiful and scrumptious BYU mint brownie. These same women are willing to wait in line to get autographs of two good looking men in the movie The Work and the Glory 3 (pretty ridiculous if you ask me). Women's conference women will do anything to get what they want! And I mean anything. I've learned that they especially want chocolate, which seems fitting because when these seven women that I adore in the picture got together to help at the Women's Conference service kit assembly, we decided to wear brown, the color of chocolate. I just wanted to give a shout out to all women, despite their obvious weaknesses (chocolate, good looking men, and adorable umbrellas from the CC&F) they are full of charity, love, sweetness, and goodness. And yes, there are many other women that I love and adore that I wanted to be in this picture with us. You know who you are (Mom, you too). Love you all.

My little Pale groupie

I just found this picture on Brian's blog and thought that it was so cute and wanted to wish him a Hap Hap Happy Birthday on Monday. I know it's early but I couldn't resist. Even though he is bald, he is still cute as a button and we've had some good times together. Thanks Brian. I'm your NUMBER ONE FAN!! Love ya ; ) Hope you don't get too drunk on your birthday!

The Sun will come out tomorrow

I don't know why, but I feel like giving a tribute to one of my idols growing up. I simple adore little orphan Annie. I even had a doll and locket. She was one tough kid and I loved the way she belted out "The sun'll come out tomorrow. Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there will be sun. Just thinkin about tomorrow clears away the cobwebs and the sorrow til there's none. When I'm stuck with a day that grey and lonely, I just stick out my chin and grin and say the sun'll come out tomorrow."

Man, I love her. Maybe it's that curly red hair. Or, maybe I loved that she was such a drama queen. Whatever it was, I need to watch that movie again.

Random thoughts at the End of April

I almost hit a bird tonight on the way back from my friend Laura's birthday party, which is funny because she hit a bird herself not too long ago. Funny, huh?

I am teaching the lesson in Relief Society on Sunday. Wonder if they are sick of hearing from me.

Went to the temple this morning with my friends Melissa and Katie. Wonderful.

Bought a new bottle of Ralph Lauren Romance today because I dropped the bottle I had in my bathroom. It shattered. Needless to say, my bathroom smells delicious. I love perfume. Romance is one of my favorites. It was 3/4 full. Very sad.

Beautiful day today. 64 degrees right now. It's 10:40.

I'm reading this book called the Peace giver. Excellent book. I'm not done with it yet, but I would lend it to anyone who is interested. Mom, I'll get you a copy.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

This was my favorite book when I was little. I loved finding caterpillars on the trees and putting them in jars. Then I got older and started to babysit the Smith children around the corner and Melissa Smith pulled a caterpillar apart, completely ripping it in two. So disgusting. Haven't really been into them since.

Big booty, big booty, big booty

Today I did the StairMaster at the gym. I think that the reason why I did it was because I saw this girl on it that had little thighs and a little bum. I was motivated to get my own bum on one. Mind you, I don't think that I have ever gotten on this piece of workout machinery before, but after my 3 miles on the treadmill, I felt confident I could do it. It's always a bit scary to try something new at the gym because I'm never quite sure if I'll know how to use it, or start it for that matter. I got on and began pushing buttons. It wasn't working. I couldn't get off because then people would know that I couldn't get the dumb thing started...so I had to swallow my pride and tap the girl with the small bum next to me on the arm to help me. She was very kind to help me, a girl with a slightly larger bum, with the machine. I think it has become a new part of my routine. Please don't look to see if my bum is getting smaller though the next you see me.

The purse snatcher

Do any of you have a friend that seems to think that he owns part of your purse? No? That's what I thought. Well, my friend Jared thinks that "my purse" is "our purse". This is a picture of him cleaning "my purse". There was a huge struggle to get possession of "my purse". The savage side of me came out because everyone knows not to mess with a woman's purse. Anyway, everyone should know. Apparently Jared was not ever taught this. His birthday is coming up. Maybe I will buy him his own purse. I wonder what color he would want.