Wend

Christmas cookies and carols

2008-12-13T21:26:00.000-08:00

Roommate Dori and I hosted an FHE at our place with old friends we don't see as often and new friends we wanted to get to know better. We frosted cookies (some serious creative genious was involved) and then sang carols to our hearts content around the piano and violin.

My favorite room decked out for the holidays...

Holiday Girlfriend Gift Card Exchange

2008-12-13T18:02:00.000-08:00

Fabulous idea and tons of fun. The dynamic duo hostesses, Jill and Amber, invited their girlfriends and girlfriends' girlfriends to the Grove clubhouse for yummy treats, fun conversation, and a 7th annual entertaining gift card exchange. Think white elephant, but with the good stuff. Everyone brings a gift card worth $25 for a fun spending location--I lucked out with Williams Sonoma. Then the gift card and social evening counts as your Christmas gift to all your girlfriends. Brilliant. Thanks ladies for the invite!

Jill insisted on having me pose

for a photo on my way out...

I think she likes the furry hat.

I thought the pic was fun too--

kind of wintery festive.

My Christmas greeting to you!

Day to Give Thanks

2008-12-12T16:36:00.000-08:00

I'm behind in posting but can I just say how much I LOVED my home bustling and filled to the brim with dear friends, old and new, on such a day. Not to mention the wonderfully yummy scents of their creations wafting through the house. I think we ended up with 25 at the table, which extended through two rooms. A few more showed up later for dessert, card games, reverse charades, and clean-up. I can't imagine a more perfect Thanksgiving away from home.

FRIENDS

Celebrating the Princess and Little Man!

2008-12-11T20:09:00.000-08:00

Happy belated birthdays to my sister Sarah and nephew Caleb. Some of my favorite pics of them this last year...

Sarah=princess. Dad calls us the bookends. I was lucky to be there when she was born and the doctor handed her straight to me first following delivery. I took my time rocking her then handed her to dad. He held her for a bit until mom reminded us from her bed in the corner that she had been carrying the baby for nine months and just went through a laborious delivery and should probably get to see the baby SOON. Witnessing Sarah's birth definitely rates top ten in my life's most beautiful experiences. But enough about her baby days--she's now in the home stretch of teen years (which she surpassed in coolness and maturity LONG AGO) and BYU has just discovered recently how good they've got it! Love you sis.

Caleb. My little man. My only nephew for the time being--he's been a trooper hanging with all the girls. No issue there--he is ALL BOY. Of course his dad helps to protect this by approving which matching grandchildren outfits he can wear. NO red velour suit jackets for this little man. I love his curious nature, his techno savvy mind and heart, his sweetness with the girls, his mischief, his stubborn done-ness when he is DONE (family pix), and his big beautiful baby browns. Three is promising to be a GREAT year.

Influence and gratitude

2008-12-02T07:01:00.000-08:00

Our dear Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, age 91 and oldest living apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died peacefully in his sleep last night at about 11:30 of causes incident to age. He and his beautiful wife visited my mission in Manaus Brazil many years ago while I was there. I have fond memories of him then, as well as more recently from his piercing testimony and sweet humor he shared with us in general conferences. His last message to us...

Come What May, and Love It

The way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life.

Learn to laugh.

Seek for the eternal.

Understand the principle of compensation.

Trust in the Father and the Son.

(His parting words...) Although my mother has long since passed to her eternal reward, her words are always with me. I still remember her advice to me given on that day long ago when my team lost a football game: “Come what may, and love it.” I know why there must be opposition in all things. Adversity, if handled correctly, can be a blessing in our lives. We can learn to love it. As we look for humor, seek for the eternal perspective, understand the principle of compensation, and draw near to our Heavenly Father, we can endure hardship and trial. We can say, as did my mother, “Come what may, and love it.” Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I'm grateful for his influence in my life and will miss him. May he rest in the sweet peace of our Lord.

Old Rag

2008-11-30T23:59:00.000-08:00

I don't get the name--sounds kinda mean! Or at a minimum, boring. But if you travel southwest from DC a few hours, you will arrive at beautiful Old Rag Mountain (summit elevation of 3,291 ft) located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Shenandoah National Park. A group of us ventured there early November for the 7.1 mile hike, gorgeous color, fun company, and neverending photo shoot. It was a while back, but since we're in the not so pretty in between stages of autumn and snow, thought I might as well post now to prolong the fall colors just a little longer...

The gang:

Favorite scenic pics I took:

Favorite shots of photog cohort ScottP:

Having fun along the way (the 4hr hike took us 6.5+hrs for obvious reasons)...

Really can't say it better than these choice post-hike memory soundbits...

ScottP: It was a perfect day...hiking, jaundiced lady bugs, scrambling, sunshine, stimulating conversation, leaves of many colors, cracks, tossed cell phones, bum knees, black/white dog posing as a speed bump, rolling hills and “glistening.”

Deb: yes, that speed bump dog was really very random- especially since he was just sitting there sunbathing in the road not only on the way there but also on the way home.... Scrambling, nose drips. Michael Taylor buying out the brownie bake sale. Wendy and her "is this the Summit? is this the Summit? Is this the summit?" Scott and his "jirating". Steph Todd- what a trooper! Who would have ever thought someonewith her most recent diagnosis could keep up with the rest of us. Dorian and her never-ending supply of cheese sticks. The other Scott and his "is there a sign that says "Start!" at the beginning of the hike?" Aggressive bears? Meeting at the church an hour early due to Kevin Rees's suggestion. Gooooood times!!

When sparks becomes parks...

2008-11-20T13:25:00.000-08:00

So raking leaves was only a part of last weekend's extravaganzas. Thought I'd fill you in on the rest. Since I'm sure you're all VERY interested. (Enter tangent) Sometimes I think blogs are kind of quirky that way. This is what I did, this is what I like, this is what I think, this is what I want, this is what I look like, this is what I'm talented at, this is who I love, this is what I feel, this is me, me, me, ME. Which occasionally makes me feel a little funny in writing. Like I'm proclaiming I have something really important to profess or show to the world. Anyone else? ...Then again I LOVE reading about you, you, you, you, YOU!! So my self-absorbed crosscheck inevitably ends up right back on the shelf until the next time. After all, do unto others, right? (end tangent)

Ok, weekend. Friday night began with dinner with the girls at Rio Grande-- a staple for some here and I now can see why. Fajitas to die for. Not bad for the east coast! This was followed by a 10pm viewing of the new Bond movie. Which I proceeded to sleep through. Can you believe?? We're talking Bond. James Bond. And twenty minutes in, I'm out. I don't understand. I'm a human bed-time clock. It was fun none-the-less. Just hated confessing when people asked what I thought of the movie! Oh the jokes. Or even worse, no surprise at all.

Saturday began with the infamous leaves-raking at an early hour since none of us in the house seems able to sleep in (though Dori says she can), and was followed by more cleaning, some grocery shopping, wedding gift shopping, ditching the rain, baking a pecan and chocolate pecan pie (which turned out pretty liquidy--but delish!), our annual mid-singles Thanksgiving feast well attended by over 100 peeps, and ended up at a lovely wedding open house...

Jocie got hitched to her best friend Zack. Hence the post title. There's gotta be a cool analogy in there somewhere... like, 'from electric sparks to peaceful parks' or something. Though I guess in their situation it was more like peaceful parks to electric sparks!! So that doesn't work. I just think it's very cool that she's only dropping one letter from her maiden name. Or is it more confusing. Will people think she is continually mispelling her name? Or wonder if she stutters when she uses both?? I'll have to ask her.

A dear friend from the good ol' MPA grad days, Jocie and I don't see each other NEARLY enough. Especially for living within the same 2mile radius--if that. But she's one of those good ones where time doesn't pass and it's difficult to pull away from conversation. I relished that we were able to take a decent chunk of time to escape the crowd and catch up in her fun "shockingly green" kitchen nook. (enter tangent again) Fav quote of the night.... when Zack joined us, I smiled and said I'd heard he was responsible for the green. When he looked at Jocie and said he wasn't sure that was a good thing, without a pause she sweetly responded, "badge of honor, honey. own it." gilmore girls style. Makes me smile every time it returns on instant replay! So I absolutely adore, admire, and am grateful to Jocie for who she is. For the fun, faith, and friendship she shares with the many she touches. I'm absolutely elated for her and Zack. ...That they found, and finally 'recognized', each other. Jocie may have said it first, but truth is, 'gunner' wants to be like her when she grows up...

Raining rose petals on streets of gold

2008-11-18T20:33:00.000-08:00

That's at least what came to mind the other day as I drove down our colorful tree-lined streets. The fallen leaves were golden brown blanketing the ground and bright red leaves were just beginning to fall, swirling in the wind to a peaceful descent. I've never seen such rich autumn colors comparable to the east coast. And I delight that I'm continuously amazed day after day. Knowing it won't last long, I've particularly savored it this year. These are pictures of our place a few weeks ago which I had to take after walking outside on a beautiful Saturday morning...

The multi-colored trees are amazing--red, yellow, orange, pink, green, and brown all on one tree. Some are a hodge-podge and others turn colors orderly from the top down, producing a leafy rainbow of sorts.

FAST FORWARD TWO WEEKS... THE AFTERMATH. Serious bonding time with the roommates Janie & Dori last Saturday. Good times. Our foresty backyard, which we enjoy MOST of the year...

Our goal was to get all of the leaves (well a good portion anyway) to the road in anticipation of the city street sucker and mulcher thing that's coming by this week (i.e. don't have to bag!). Our Virginia home-grown roommate knew the drill and introduced this brilliant idea to rake the backyard leaves onto a tarp and drag to the front of the house. Saved some serious time and effort. All in all it was pretty fun-- nothing like some, well, occassional one-with-the-earth, dirty, hard work on a crisp morning to start the day off right.

Autumn on it's way out... Christmas is coming!!

A night as my nemesis...

2008-11-09T19:46:00.000-08:00

Tinkerbell. Not planned--just the best (aka more family friendly) costume at target during the 30% off sale. Well, besides the chicken suit (which my roommate has blackmail-able cell pics of me modeling it in the target aisle)... Or the gorilla suit, which I greatly considered buying. Cause everyone should own a gorilla suit! I've heard serious testimonies to this fact. But I digress.

Halloween was ghoulishly fun beginning with the infamous ward trunk-or-treat party (our trunk rocked with orange lights and the monster mash) and ending it up fantastically with a group of friends metro-ing down to M Street in Georgetown where costumed humanity packed and walked the streets. It's amazing what a costume can do to bring people out of their shells--so fun interacting with complete strangers and getting high fives when greeting them by costume name. Definitely one of my favorite nights of the year!

Hazah!!!

2008-10-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

Ever since high school when I'd first heard about renaissance festivals I've always wanted to go. Last weekend some friends and I made it a day. We trekked up to Maryland to a beautifully wooded and quaint little renaissance village which took us back in time. It was sunny in the 70s, perfected by autumn crispness and leaves just starting to turn color. Have I mentioned how much love fall on the east coast! Though I couldn't help but wonder what the place looks like during other seasons or at night as well and am secretly considering sneaking back to the grounds once the festival ends to just wander around--especially to the beautiful ivy covered church. So if I'm ever arrested...

Activities included walking through the village and watching artisans, musicians, nymph-like bubble blowers, comedy acts, shakespearean prose, glass-blowers, knight jausting, armory-making, daring knife jugglers, tall flowing fairyland families on stilts parading by attached in train of ribbons, a beautiful huge elephant, somewhat freaky shoulder bird creatures, girls getting henna tattoos, guys testing their strength with the club and sword, buying fun stuff, and lots and lots of people watching of those really getting into it. Can't forget the delectable renaissance food of deep-fried anything, turkey legs, chocolate covered strawberries, cheesecake on a stick, homemade ice cream waffle cones, and just about eerything your unhealthy heart could dream up!

Some of the sights:

Our crew in motion:

Friends Jason, John, Andrea, Michelle, Clay, Marni, and Ben

GC in DC

2008-10-05T21:11:00.000-07:00

Wasn't General Conference wonderful?? I relish in the unity, love, and spirit I always feel in abundance this weekend. Almost like I'm somehow closer to my heavenly home. I can't remember the last time I was away from my family and rocky mountain home during conference weekend. Seriously it's been years--missed you all! Though it was nice to feel a little piece of home spotting mom's beautiful 'babydoll' mug in the MoTab (sorry, mom, friends here know the story now and your nickname lives on!) This year I spent it in DC and enjoyed listening to our prophet, apostles and leadership of the church in the comfort of my home with roommates and friends... homemade pizza on Saturday and crepes on Sunday--a long-standing D.C. singles tradition between sessions and probably the weirdest, sober, dressed-up, afternoon 'block party' the neighbors have ever seen! Indeed when we walked there from our house--as I live in "little provo" -- and passed an older gentleman on the way, he smiled at us and in a heavy german accent asked if we were going to the mormon convention. :)

This morning after I woke up early and couldn't go back to sleep, I decided to watch the sun rise over our nation's capitol. What a beautiful sight. I drove 5min (obviously love that!) to the Iwo Jima monument next to the Arlington Cemetary overlooking DC. I can't think of a better way to start the Sabbath than pondering all the Lord has blessed me with, much of which comes from living in this our incredible country where the the gospel of Jesus Christ was free to be restored and seeds were sowed for the entire world to enjoy the fruit provided this very day. Thought I'd share my beautiful view this morning...

Oprah

2008-09-28T18:17:00.000-07:00

Something to check off the bucket list! To celebrate good friend Danalee's birthday, eight of us congregated in Chicago a few weeks ago to fulfill one of her life dreams of attending an Oprah show. Quite the experience! Excitement started at 9:30am when we lined outside the Oprah studio and waited. Talk about a bundle of bubbling estrogen. By 11am they finally began letting us in the doors, through a coat/security check, computer reservation check-in, providing a seating number, introducing the show topic, submitting questions for Oprah, filing into a waiting room, waiting, talking, waiting, finally being seated in the studio, waiting, administration interacting with the audience, waiting, preparing for Oprah to enter... oh the anticipation!! Quite the experience. It was kind of surreal to be sitting so close to Oprah. The show aired Sep29th to kick-off breast cancer awareness month with guest, Christina Applegate, and a majority of the audience comprised of amazing breast cancer survivors. Lots of sniffles! Danalee give a more detailed account here.

Great weekend. Despite the aftermath of Hurricane Ike storming through--which didn't stop us! With umbrellas in full bloom we took a great architecture tour by boat through the winding water channels of the beautiful city. (Dana always looks great--even in plastic!)

One of the best views of the Chicago skyline can be found at the top of the John Hancock Center. Particularly it is known in the tourist underground to have the best view from any bathroom stall EVER. I just felt bad for the poor lady who entered the bathroom stall only to find me and a camera pointed at her...

Also had a great time visiting a dear college roommate Deb and celebrating her birthday at her favorite Chicago dessert cafe. ...New York's got nothing on the windy city!

Windy City

2008-09-10T08:50:00.000-07:00

Heading to Chicago tonight for good friend Danalee's birthday weekend and so looking forward to it. Was there just last month for a weekend working as my roommate Dorian's assistant (a.k.a sherpa) for her side-business filming non-profit documentaries. Definitely not bad gig to get a free trip for working out my camera-equipment-carrying muscles, holding the reflection thingy at just the right angle, validating the talented camera woman, and providing comic relief to try and relax the nervous interviewees. So in anticipation of my return to the lovely windy city, thought I'd share some pics I took from the last visit...

I love Chicago's art (see me in the reflection?), waterways, nature, and architecture ...all in the same block.

Fun fountain--different faces appear, smile, become serious I can only assume to add to the dramatic effect, and then spew forth water to the anticipating delighted crowd of splashing children below.

Idols in DC!!

2008-09-07T06:13:00.001-07:00

It's true. American Idol Live came to DC a few weeks ago and my roommates and I wholeheartedly jumped on the teen fan bandwagon! In celebration of sweet Janie's birthday (an idol in her own right!), we had an absolute blast. The concert works up the top ten and so the first half of the concert was not nearly as exciting, but relished when my idol favs took the spotlight... the Davids, Brooke, & Carly.

Throughout the season I've been pleased by the way our Mormon contestants (David A. & Brooke) represent and enjoy rooting for their continued success...

Other favorite pics: 1)Cougars for Cook... we'd like to think these were BYU Cougars. Though just hoping not Cougar in the older woman sense of the word... :) and 2)Young girl sitting in front of me with her cute Archie idol paraphernalia on lap.

Mom & Dad got hitched

2008-08-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

Thirty nine years ago today--HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

Their story as I know it: Though mom & dad grew up literally two blocks away from one another and attended the same schools their whole lives, they had resided in separate LDS stakes and hadn't met until Allan, 19, and Vicki, 17, were set up on a date by mutual friends. They noticed each other in passing as their congregations met in the same church building and someone finally fanagled the line-up--though I've never been able to clarify who initiated! Having met just two weeks before Dad left on his mission to England, they were inseparable until he departed. He asked her to wait. She did. They corresponded by mail for two years and were engaged soon after he returned for eight months, which I think was shortened to six, and then to maybe to four? Another blurry detail though perhaps confirmed by the fact that Dad has long discouraged long engagements! They were married July 22nd, 1969 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple ...and the rest is history!

So there you have it, a genuine mormon fairy-tale. Thirty-nine years, seven kids, and five and half grandchildren later, they're still going strong and perfectly happily-ever-after as the picture depicts. :) I'm forever indebted to them for my life, the planted seeds of faith, education, strength, integrity, security, & for a wonderfully bonding belonging called home. Thanks, mom & dad, sure love you and miss you both!

Nora

2008-08-16T18:15:00.000-07:00

Happy 3rd Birthday sweet Nora!!! These are pictures I've taken either of or with my eldest niece this past year. Enthralled with princesses, she is definitely our own special little princess who brings great joy to so many.

Memories

2008-08-13T15:22:00.000-07:00

My friend Heidi did the following on her blog and looked like fun. Participate if you like. Ignore it if you don't...

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn’t matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It’s actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I’ll assume you’re playing the game and I’ll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don’t want to play on your blog, or if you don’t have a blog, I’ll leave my memory of you in my comments.

~"Buena Vista" by Emilie Christensen McPhie (one day I hope to own one of her prints--love them!)

Where in the world did Wendy wander...

2008-08-12T18:03:00.000-07:00

I'm back! Apologies for the 4+ month absence... and special thanks to those who never gave up, nor let me forget I was long overdue via comments, emails, phone calls, church, and most recently at my family reunion where I encountered a tough crowd! These were busy/challenging months and I'm afraid that once I became a few months behind, well, yeah. As a result, so many highlights and happenings to share, as I've...

Traveled to: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Outer Banks, North Carolina; Las Vegas (twice); Southern California (twice); New York (twice); Maryland (twice); and Salt Lake City (thrice).

Visited: Lots and lots of family plus... Mandy, the Fischettis, the Todds, the Olayans, the VanWagenens, the Jensens, the O'Briens; and Heidi, James & Baby Atticus (who I'm pleased to announce is healthy and thriving --many of you have asked due to the extended front page status!)

Worked: Hard during my most difficult period ever at Deloitte including 70-80hr weeks (with a stellar team below). That finally subsided a bit and gratefully I received a high year-end rating and was officially promoted to Manager. I've finished working on the TSA Air Cargo project and am currently doing project development with FEMA and the FBI.

Served: As a ward missionary it's been wonderful to be a part of the teaching and baptisms of two new incredible, on-fire friends, Matt B. and Rita L. who inspire me continually by helping me to rediscover the gospel and my testimony through a fresh lens.

Relaxed/Played: Huntington Beach, CA for an lds mid-singles conference; Duck Beach, NC for the yearly memorial day gathering of DC friends; Ocean City Beach, Maryland for friend Jen's weekend birthday bash; Shenandoah River for 4th of July tubing; and Del Mar/La Jolla beaches prior to and following a work conference in my beloved San Diego.

(SO MANY fun pics which I may have to share in a slide show later...)

Mourned: With families of dear Uncle Bill and sweet Baby Camille (1yr old daughter of friends who continue to inspire me here. )

Celebrated: niece Ava's blessing, sister Sarah's HS graduation; bro-in-laws James & Tommy's college graduations; birthdays of Clark, Spence, Tommy, Claire, Amy, Aubrey, Tiffany, Mom & Dad; the 4th of July at our Nation's capitol; a family reunion at our cabin; and Pioneer Day by spontaneously joining a local parade on a vintage two-seater bicycle with bro Keith.

Read: The Poisonwood Bible, The Host, Three Cups of Tea (current), Breaking Dawn (current), and mustn't leave out the Scriptures...

Hosted: Aunt Jan & Josh; cousin Steve; friend Danalee; sister Amy & niece Ava

Excitedly welcome: cousins Geoff & Jadi family moving to Maryland (only 1hr away); siblings Bethany & James family moving to Pittsburgh (only 4hrs away).

Been told: I look like both "24" castmember, Kate Marchett (from a number of people) --AND-- ex-presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton (it wasn't my best day. but really?? best part was that the sweet parking attendant said it like it was the best compliment EVER). Consensus???

Am anticipating:
**Work trip to Chicago next week and a nice visit with 3yr-college-roommate, Deb.
**Upcoming American Idol Concert Tour. I know you're jealous. :)
**Potential jaunt to Prince Edward Island, home to AofGG--did anyone else know it's the 100th anniversary of being published this year??
**Sometime this next year finally return to my mission, Manaus Brazil, for the temple dedication-- myself and a few others are busy planning a large-scale mission reunion for the occasion.

**Whatever life continues to surprise me with...

Atticus Update

2008-03-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

To those of you asking for the latest on Heidi & James' newborn baby Atticus, in their words...
James: "Atticus has been moved to a less severe room of the newborn ICU, as he continues to become more stable. His latest heart scan showed that he's getting stronger and that his heart is not over-worked. He also had his head x-rayed this week, to check for cranial bleeding. The results showed that everything was normal. He's on a little bit of oxygen now, but they keep it to a minimum. He still has an IV, but is no longer getting any kind of medication through it. They feed him milk with a tube in his nose, and suppliment this with IV vitamins and fat. Once he gets to a point where he can digest his milk fast enough and more completely, he will get off of his IV. Today's nurse thinks this could be as soon as the end of next week. Once he starts feeding better, he should start putting on weight quickly. To help him feed, they are letting us hold him more. They say that skin to skin contact with his mama will help him feel more comfortable when he feeds. Today he layed on Heidi's chest while I helped give him some milk. As he learns to associate getting held with getting food, and as he learns to feed, swallow and breathe at the same time, he will start acting more like a full-term baby. This is already happening. When he lays with Heidi, his heart rate gets better, and his breathing becomes less strained. He knows exactly who she is. And she is, of course, happy to hold him as often as they will let us."

As for Heidi: "I am healing nicely, though I'm still on blood pressure medication as a result of the preeclampsia (I'm part of the 10% of women who don't get better immediately). I have more energy, I'm getting around really well, and my ankles are back (yea!). This really is a roller coaster we're on, with so many emotions bombarding us from all sides. We're thrilled that Atty is doing so well, and we love our sweet little boy so much, but at the same time it's painful to not have him here with us, to carry on life as "normal" even though it's not. To have a child but not be able to hold him and snuggle him whenever we want, to watch him sleep and bathe him and dress him and keep him next to us at all times. We do get to hold him for about an hour to an hour and a half once or twice a day. And we're so grateful to be able to do that. But it's so hard to leave him there. So when someone asks "How are you doing?", it's hard to know how to answer..."

Thank you for caring and please continue to keep them in your prayers!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T18:12:00.000-07:00

"He is not here, for He is risen..." -Matthew 28:6
The Garden Tomb, Jerusalem, Israel, June 2007

This is what I did this weekend! What an incredible way to get in the spirit of Easter. All three performances were filled to overflow and I was especially excited to have a few of my co-workers attend. Lex de Azevedo accompanied the production, a few choirs from Salt Lake flew in to join us, the soloists including GeorgeDyer were incredible... and JennyOaksBaker on the violin was absolutely inspiring. It was a lovely Easter weekend capped off with a beautiful Sunday service and dinner with a family and friends from my ward. Only wish I could have shared it with all of you! Hope yours was also filled with the wonderful celebration of our Savior's life and resurrection.

Gettysburg

2008-03-19T21:24:00.000-07:00

...Not just a historic battle or speech!A few weeks ago, approximately 60 of my closest friends and I headed up north a few hours from DC to beautiful Gettysburg for some fun in the snow. Highlights included the hotel lobby linger longer, Rook game lasting until 3am, realizing the next morning I'm too old for the prior, killer tubing races, enthusiastic slopes staff, Bishop's fam joining us, donning my white-elephant-gift ski mask to a hesitant-looking crowd, a continual gratuitous photo shoot (thanks ScottP!), snowball fights, you wanna piece of me looks, quaint town with pedestrians in period dress, french onion soup and reuben sandwiches in the century old tavern, and many good memories made.

Atticus James

2008-03-18T06:59:00.000-07:00

Following a long wait, one of my dearest and very first friends, Heidi, and her good husband James bore their first child Friday. Evidently he couldn't wait and arrived 10 weeks early with a rather rough landing at 3lbs 4oz and a potential 3-10week stay at the hospital, but is now breathing on his own and both he and mom are recovering. Though small, he is already making great strides living up to his big name, Atticus James.

Some of my favorite quotes from James' updates:
"He is a gorgeous little boy. He's smaller than we need him to be, but he is large for his actual age. He grabbed on to Heidi's finger as if he knew exactly who she was."

"Everyone has been so good to us. We may have to double lock the doors to keep people from bringing us casseroles."

"We're not really sure who he looks like yet, but I am certain that he did not inherit my crooked second toes. As stupid as it sounds, I was genuinely worried that we might have matching father and son "sucker toes". I'm glad that genetics spared him the indignity of never being able to wear sandals in public."

"Thanks so much for your kind words and prayers. I may never be able to adequately communicate to you how much that has meant to the three of us. I can only promise to not call you at 3 AM and try." ~James

To those that know Heidi, please include her and her little family in your prayers. She has been a constant strength, confidant, reality check, and anchor in my life. Another sister really. Best and love to you, GOML, from afar... My thoughts and prayers are with you, James, and baby Atty, until I visit soon. GOYL

Surprise Brazilian Birthday Bash

2008-03-10T21:31:00.000-07:00

They totally pulled it off... I wasn't even expecting it and can usually smell a surprise from miles away! Sneaky roommate Dorian mastered the plan with help from Stacie, the smooth decoy, and many other dear and generous acting-aspiring friends...

I'm afraid I didn't even clue in when we walked right up to a long table with only one side of the table seated by people with menus covering their faces.

Adding to the confusion was another decoy friend sitting at a single table to the side calling out that he was surprised to see me while the other menu holders hadn't heard the cue to yell surprise and as the menus covered their faces, couldn't see that I was standing in front of them... pretty funny. To my delight I feasted upon a traditional Brazilian dinner of Feijoada, which could only be topped off properly with delicious suco de maracuja (passion fruit juice).

Later Dorian shared with me... THE SECRET INVITE:
Come on out and wish Wendy a Super-Feliz Aniversario as we lounge culinarily on a white sand beach at The Grill from Ipanema. Plan on great Brazilian food, mesmerizing company, and of course a little samba music. This is a surprise party, so please be there on time so as to increase the chances of someone being there to surprise her. Feel free to wear dark glasses or customized facial prosthetics to disguise yourself. A little coaching on what NOT to say, just in case you run into her between now and Monday night:

Wendy: "Hey, how's it going?"
You: "Great! Happy Birthday! See you at your
surprise party Monday night!"

And as if you didn't have enough instructions in this email already, please be aware that Wendy thinks we're doing something kind of maybe this Saturday-- so if that comes up in casual conversation, do not fret, and be quick on your feet-- and be very, very vague. And do not show up to anything Saturday. I may send you an update on the lies we're forced to weave... Beijinhos, Dorian (Isn't she awesome?)

Special props to Rustin for the bday cake... with extra, extra props for writing "28" all over it... :) How did he know??

In sum, so very grateful for incredible friends (supportive and generous)and dear family (most each of whom left me incredible singing voice messages with original bday song renditions) who make me feel like a fan-club-worthy SUPERSTAR on my birthday. You're the best! Thank you.

I Love Love

2008-02-24T20:13:00.000-08:00

So I'm single. But I can't help but love Valentine's Day. I used to attribute it to the hopeless romantic in me. But this year I was reminded (perhaps due to the lack of romance!) that simply put, I love love. All kinds. And I certainly felt the love this year. Highlights:
Making sugar cookies. For no one particular. It's tradition. But the roommates and I, and an occasional lucky guest, sure enjoyed them! Unfortunately in return they loved our hips. :)

Receiving valentine emails, phone calls, text messages from friends and family (best one from Dad). Like this one from my dear friend Lynda and baby Brandon.

Listening to a sweet voice message from my adorable pseudo nieces here in DC, Hailey and Mia VanWagenen who called to wish me a Happy Valentine's day and invite me over to give me valentines, which included a fantastic homemade half-heart necklace with Hailey's name on one half and mine on the other. (Pic is from our ward's Christmas Celebration in Bethlehem in case you wondered what Valentines tradition involved putting towels on our heads...)

Buying a new car!! I wish. Rather, witnessing this beautiful baby back right into a 2" x 2" square concrete post in the parking garage. Not that this was a highlight, but seemed so Valentine's Day ironic and would make anyone feel better about theirs! When the owner got out of the car and saw that I had witnessed, he simply declared that this was exemplary of his day. I told him I was so sorry (it was a truly painful sight -- such a beautiful car). I would have given him the last chocolate truffle in my pocket if he hadn't been so big, wearing a black trench coat, the only other person in the garage, and hadn't just crashed his new love.

Being reminded of my Savior's love while attending my weekly practice with the Mormon Choir of DC. The music we're practicing for Easter is incredible. "Hosanna" an oratorio by Lex de Azevedo who will be coming into town together with Jenny Oaks Baker and George Dyer to perform with us at the DC Temple Visitor's Center for our non-LDS friends. So excited.

Returning home to spend what was left of the evening with two fabulous friends, Dorian and Jen, eating banana splits and watching a movie (of which I lasted a whole 30 min -- surprise, surprise!) I've been so grateful for the sweet support and love of fun and dear girlfriends through the years.

But the best part of Valentine's Day was actually the day after when my newest niece entered our world, sweet little Ava Norine. How excited I am to meet her. I'm so proud of my sister Amy. She and hubby Tommy will be excellent parents. All of my siblings either already are or no doubt will be. I love them and all of my family so very much.

So there you have it...

I love love.

Chesapeake Primaries

2008-02-12T16:04:00.000-08:00

So I voted today. And oddly I experienced this overpowering sensation upon leaving the local elementary school precinct. Couldn't swallow and eyes began to well up. It wasn't even about the choice of presidential candidates I was left to choose from!

Liberty. Freedom. The right to vote. Despite the politics, periodic frustration, and everpresent criticism, how truly grateful I am to have a voice in my country.

Inspiring Friend

2008-02-11T11:06:00.000-08:00

What a refreshing weekend of reunion, inspiration and introspection. Last week I finally decided to take action on a long overdue desire to reconnect with a dear friend, Jill, from my grad school days with whom I'd lost touch years ago. Last I heard she had married and lived in Denver. Thank goodness for google...I discovered she had her own marriage and family therapy practice & website -- complete with contact info. Upon writing and telling her of my move to DC, she quickly responded that it just so happened she was going to be in DC the following weekend for a conference. "Uncanny" she said. :) I say, provident.

Jill is just one of the many incredibly talented, impassioned, and inspiring friends I've been blessed to sojourn a bit with. One of the things I admire most about her is her passion and drive to stand for righteous principles and strive to make the world a better place. Her specialty? The fight against pornography. With her PhD dedicated to the effects on marriage and families, she has passionately found opportunities to contribute to articles/seminars, write a book for teens, and even testified before the U.S. Senate (above pic, 3rd from right) as one of three witnesses in a hearing titled "Why the Government Should Care about Pornography: The State Interest in Protecting Children and Families" -- the first time the issue had been addressed in this context in the Senate.

As we ate dinner and caught up at one of her fav DC restaurants, Rosa Mexicana (great place), I asked how she discovered what her passion was. She said it kind of found her. While working as a family counselor there was a lot of material/resources on the negative impact pornography had on the individual, but not as much on how this affected spouse and children, marriage and families. She was bugged by that. It wasn't right. Thus it became her passion, her fight. I liked that. The idea that one seeking their passion or niche to make a difference in the world, might find it simply by figuring out what in today's society most bothers them at the very core... and acting upon it.

In few months she'll bear her first child and another dream, passion, and purpose will take precedent. I marvel at the Lord's purpose and timing in each, individual life. Especially as it often differs significantly from our own plans and timetables. And I relish in the beauty of it!!

In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Prophet

2008-01-28T07:47:00.000-08:00

I will miss him dearly. In his words:

“I hope that all of you will remember that on this Sabbath day you heard me bear my witness that this is God’s holy work. The vision given the Prophet Joseph in the grove of Palmyra was not an imaginary thing. It was real. It occurred in the broad light of day. Both the Father and the Son spoke to the boy. He saw Them standing in the air above him. He heard Their voices. He gave heed to Their instruction.

“It was the resurrected Lord who was introduced by His Father, the great God of the universe. For the first time in recorded history, both the Father and the Son appeared together to part the curtains and open this, the last and final dispensation, the dispensation of the fullness of times.

“The Book of Mormon is all that it purports to be—a work recorded by prophets who lived anciently and whose words have come forth “to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations” (Book of Mormon title page).

“The priesthood has been restored under the hands of John the Baptist and Peter, James, and John. All the keys and authority pertaining to eternal life are exercised in this Church.

“Joseph Smith was and is a prophet, the great Prophet of this dispensation. This Church, which carries the name of the Redeemer, is true.

“I leave you my testimony, my witness, and my love for each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”

President Gordon B. Hinckley April 1, 2006, Sunday morning session of the 176th Annual World General Conference

Spirit of Christmas

2007-12-18T19:51:00.000-08:00

So I was sitting on my couch basking in the lights of our festive living room late Sunday night, when I mentioned to my roommate that I needed to take pictures of the Christmas decorations and nativity collection to post on my till-now unpublished blog for my patiently persistent sisters and mom. "You should do a video," she said. Sounded different and easy. So after a few minutes of taping, an hour of editing and adding my new favorite Christmas carol, she whipped up this little ditty. Definitely perks of having a budding documentary filmaker in the house (thanks Dorian!). Hope you enjoy...

(click on bottom left corner of this post)

2007-08-15T20:13:00.000-07:00

2007 Mid-Year Update

2007-08-12T19:04:00.000-07:00

Dec 2006
Couldn't begin my 2007 highlights without first mentioning the fabulous fun spent during the 2006 holiday season with family who congregated together from Utah (Dad, Mom, Keith, & Sarah; Bethany & James), Nevada (Spencer, Marleen, & Nora; Amy & Tommy), Florida (Clark, Tiffany, & Caleb), and Washington DC (me). It had been a while since we'd all been together and not knowing when we would again, we enjoyed it to the fullest ...Which basically consisted of 13 adults doting on two much-adored grandchildren (Caleb, 13 mos & Norah, 15 mos). Though one evening we did make the monumental sacrifice of leaving them alone with the grandparents for an entertaining sibling ice-skating outing...

Jan 2007
New Years Eve started the year out right. It began as a nice sabbath day spent family, followed by a long overdue visit with my fav cousins, Geoff, his wife Jadi, and their cute kiddy chunks, ...and finally topped off with a low key Sunday-worthy gathering in Happy Valley (where else) upon which I ran into several good old friends and acquaintances.

Feb 2007
Both January and February afforded me some fun adventures including two trips to New York City where I visited dear old friends from Houston days, Ryan and Lynda Todd whom I adore. Apparantly they adore me too because they introduced me to a restaurant solely dedicated to chocolate...

Mar 2007
Highlights include my friend's murder mystery dinner with an expert cast of members from my congregation, showing DC to a previous college roommate moving into town (Suzanne Ostvig), a cousin's wedding (Chris & Deveney Jensen) in San Diego with lots of family, my fabulous birthday sizzling salsa dinner party and dancing with friends... and of course my new toy, the board.

So in the interest of this mid-year update seemingly taking me another mid-year to complete... let's just call this my 2007 first quarter update. More to come...