Living for Eden Concert

Michele and Gracie introduced me to Paul Cardall's music as it played constantly alongside her crib at the hospital and at home. I had heard of him, but really didn't know much about him or his music. It turns out that Paul was also born with a heart defect almost 36 years ago. He struck up an instant connection and friendship with the Gledhills. So....if you're Michele's friend, you are automatically adopted as my friend too, whether you like it or not.

His music and his life story are both amazing. I love his songs so much that my playlist has turned into my own little Paul Cardall mini concert. We were so fortunate to be able to attend a benefit concert for him this past week entitled Living for Eden (Paul's 3 year old daughter). It was put on by several well known local LDS musicians including Kurt Bestor, Peter Breinholt, Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband, and a few others. The audience was packed with over 3,000 people. Every penny went to Paul and his sweet family to help with medical expenses as he is home waiting for a heart transplant. There was also a silent auction with hundreds of items. I won some cute wrapping paper with matching homemade cards. We tried to bid on BYU football tickets, but didn't win those. Paul has been waiting on the heart transplant list since last August. You can click here to learn more about Paul's heart journey .

It was such a treat to spend the evening with friends listening to all of these incredible musicians. In the middle of the show, Peter Breinholt read an entry from Paul's blog where he wrote about Gracie and dedicated a song to her. Pictures of beautiful little Gracie were shown on the large screens on stage. Tears and sniffles were heard everywhere. It was so special to feel the love and spirit of Gracie all around us.

The musicians ended their performances and tributes to Paul and we were speechless with the talent that had been showcased. Then, out of the blue Paul and his wife and little girl, Eden, got up from the front row and walked up to the stage. I might add, Paul walked a little slowly and with his little oxygen tank close to his side he made it up the stage stairs. His voice was fragile and quiet, but his faith and testimony were loud and strong! He thanked everyone for coming and for their support. Then he reverently spoke about "a little girl named Gracie" that had touched him deeply. He hasn't played the piano much, let alone written a song in over a year because of his health, except for one...Gracie's theme. He walked over to the piano and played it. I have had it one my playlist for a while now, but to hear him play it live was overwhelming. Gracie will live on forever through "HER" song. Michele captured it on video and it's on her blog. If you want to hear it click here.

We are praying for Paul to receive the phone call soon that a heart has come his way. The world needs his music and his family and friends need his presence.

Going out with a bang!

We already said our last goodbyes to Jordan's high school football career and we're slowly getting used to that. Then last month was another sad goodbye as we watched him play his last Young Men's basketball games and the Lehi City Jr. Jazz games - EVER. Those of you that have kids that play ward/city sports know how much time this takes on a family. But cherish those moments because to look out over the boys that have grown up in our ward and realize that this will be the last Young Men's game they ever play is so sad...maybe, it's just me. I'm an emotional wreck lately over the dumbest little things.

Our ward has so many Young Men that we have two Deacon's teams, one teacher's team, and one priests team. Because the other wards in the stake don't break up their teams our younger boys were eliminated early on, but our priests went on to take 2nd in the Stake championship. Then it was on to Region.

**Note to reader: I say "we" as if I was playing or part of the team. But you know, it's all the same, right?

Our weekend went like this:

Friday March 15th

6:00 pm Young Men's Semi Final Region game---we won!

7:00 pm Jr. Jazz Quarter-Final game -- we won!

9:00 pm Jr. Jazz Semi final game -- we won!

That's a lot of basketball for one night on very hard bleachers!

Saturday March 16th

8:00 am Young Men's Final Region game--we won! Way to go 26th ward Priests!

Then on to the Legacy Center for more....

1:00 pm Jr. Jazz Final game -- we won! But it was a double elimination tournament and the other team had gone undefeated all year until now. So we had to play them again to win the whole thing!
4:00 pm. Jr. Jazz REAL final championship game -- we won!

It was a nail biter until the last second! We won by 5!

No way did anyone expect Jordan's team to win much, let alone win the whole thing. Their team name was "THE NAUGHTY PAIRATES" and full of football players, definitley NOT basketball players. They haven't made it very far in the tournament in past years. They usually overshot the ball, got a TON of fouls that were mostly hilarious, and had the best time out on the court together. Look at this team though.....Do they look like champions? Double click on the photo to get a good look at these guys!

Some look a bit rowdy, but they are all seriously the SWEETEST/FUNNIEST guys and OUTSTANDING students, athletes, and friends and I would be proud to call any of them my son. They suprised even themselves win after win. The finals were a battle/war and players from the other teams got technical after technical after being frustrated at not being able to get ahead and beat the Pirates. The NP's laughed at themselves mostly, but really came together at the end to win with grace and confidence. I ADORE these boys as I have watched them all grow up playing football and basketball together since 6th grade. They are now men and about to enter the big world. It's been a blast and I'm so thankful to have been able to be there to enjoy every minute of it!

I'm proud of you guys and am going to miss watching you play Josh, Jordan, James, Colby, Travis, E'an, Tyler, Chris, Calvin, Joey, and Danley!

So if you have to say good-bye you might as well do it with a bang!

Allison's new grown up room

Soon after we moved in (almost ten years ago) I spent an entire weekend painting pink and white stripes on Allison's walls. I even remember my neighbors calling and wondering if I was sick because my whole family was at church, but not me. (I've since repented). Point is, it was a lot of work. We have re-decorated it several times since then but I've always tried to figure out how to incorporate the stripes. I just can't bring myself to paint over them.

BEFORE

Allison has had the pink/mint green theme for a few years and she seemed to need a little more grown up look. Afterall, she IS in Jr. High now. So I spent the entire past year buying a few things here and there as I could fit it into the budget and hiding it in our basement. We decided we would do it for her for Christmas. She got a few presents under the tree but had no idea that more was coming. A few days after Christmas our neighbors called her to babysit for the entire evening until about midnight. I saw this as my perfect opportunity to do the makeover!

Her room was the usual disaster zone so it took me an hour or two just to clean and declutter it all! I went through every drawer, every bin under hear bed, every shelf, organized every inch of her TWO closets and threw out 2 large bags of garbage and junk. Don't worry....no privacy issues were compromised and I only threw out crap....not sentimental things that mean something to her only.

By then I was sweating! I ripped open package after package, had Brendan help me move her bed and hang up her black out velvet curtains (had to describe them since I don't have a photo of them), made the bed, vacuumed the room, and then I had to tackle the huge mess I had made in the hall with all the old stuff. Those one hour makeover shows are full of crap! You can't do all that in one hour....I guess if you have a whole crew to help, but still. Thank goodness she got home a little late. We all pretended to be going to bed when she came home. She opened the door to her room and found this....

AFTER

HER LITTLE MAKE-UP TABLE and "BEARY-ANN." Because you can never fully grow up.

She was so surprised! She loved it and was so happy. That was the goal. I'm so happy with the way it turned out. We still need to get her a desk and accessorize her walls, but that's all we can do for now. She has a lot more room to hang out with her friends in there and dance to her music. It's helped motivate her to keep it a little cleaner, but that issue will never be over I'm afraid. I love surprises and I love being sneaky with my family. This was was definitely worth it---and we didn't have to paint over the stripes!

My Little Jakers

I know that being taller than me is not that hard to do, but it's something that our boys have loved achieving. Jake has had such a growth spurt this past year. He now wears the same shoe size as Brendan and is MUCH taller than me. His voice has changed too. It makes me so sad. Jordan has always been very mature and was never much of a little boy. But my Jake has been my little guy from day one.

It's a good thing that he's still a sweetheart and shows me how much he loves me every day. Even when I take him something to school that he has forgotten, I'll peek into his classroom, give him his paper or whatever and I've been nicely surprised that he usually gives me a hug and kiss on the cheek to say thanks. That's my boy.

One thing that he's way ahead of than Jordan was at his age is his busy social life. Jake seems to be gone way more than Jordan lately. It's funny to hear him walk in and hear him put "his keys" away. He has key-napped Brendan's church keys so that he and his friends can play basketball every spare second. We love his group of friends. They are all in our neighborhood and they are such incredible young men. When I know he's with them, I know I don't have to worry. They play basketball almost every single day during the week for 2 to 3 hours. He certainly knows how to have fun and I love his laugh with his new older voice.

He's so responsible and such a good prioritzer. He knows if he has to do his homework right after school, or if he can finish it up at bedtime. He's the only one that I never have to ask, "Is your homework done?" I went to parent teacher conference and his teachers said that he's doing amazing, but that he needs to relax and chill a bit. He's always so worried about his grades and it seems to them that he almost stresses about them too much. How is it that you have to tell one child, "You need to try a little harder and study more," and yet to the other one you have to say, "It's ok, you can't get 100% everytime. You did your best and it will be fine." I have found that is probably one of the hardest parts of parenting. Life isn't fair. Parenting isn't fair. You have to parent differently because they are so not wired the same.

Last weekend, Jake's friend Riley Bunker was playing basketball at his house when he came up on his backboard that had been lowered and gashed his forehead open. He had to run to the insta care for staples and hurry back for a party. The very next day shortly after getting home from that party, this happened to Jake.....

In his words to an email sent to his grandma and grandpa he wrote, "Hey Grandma and Grandpa this is Jake. Yesterday, my Dad and I were playing basketball outside and the ball was going to go out of bounds, so I tried to save it and my head hit the pole. I was on the ground covering my head and my Dad says, 'Let me look at it.' At first there was no blood, then all of a sudden my hand that was holding my head was covered with blood, and blood was just gushing out of my head. My Dad says, 'come on we got to go', so I put a gauze pad on it, and we rushed to instant care. 2 and one half hours later, we were still in the waiting room and my blood was all dry on my hair. Well, I went into the doctor’s room and my legs were shaking like crazy because I was so nervous if it would hurt or not. I got 4 stitches, but the worst part was them cleaning my head from all the dry blood. Man it was soooo scary.

Last night he got all dressed up to go to the much anticipated Lehi Jr. High 9th grade Night Dance. It's not a date dance, but only 9th graders get to go and it's a fun evening to dress up. Here's my handsome boy getting ready~~~~

Quit growing up you guys!

We're now 3 for 3

It's official. We are now the proud parents of 3 teenagers. Our baby girl turned 13 last month. I just haven't felt like blogging or downloading any photos ever since Gracie passed away. I have neglected my family, my house, my work, and everything else for the last two weeks. While there will never be a "normal" without her, I will move toward a "new normal" as I try to get back to business.

Allison had a great time having a party with her closest friends...it was hard for her to narrow down the list. Jr. High has been such a blast and she seems to have an abundance of new friends. They played all sorts of games for hours, laughed like only jr. high girls do, and got very silly!

I seem to be able to find something that she "needs" wherever I go so I have been collecting her birthday presents as soon as Christmas was over. She came home from school to find our table decked out just for her, including her very own mini chocolate cake! Earlier in the day, I checked her out of school and we went to lunch. She chose Wendy's. Though not fancy, we had so much fun dunking ou fries in our chocolate Frosty and chatting the time away. We went to Old Navy before heading back to school to get some new jeans because she keeps outgrowing her pants every few months!

Her very most favorite present?........Well, that would be MAKE-UP. We had decided that 13 is the magic number at our house for this right of passage. She is still experimenting with just the right look, but mainly wears mascara only. I've been pointing out examples of too much makeup for the last year! I think she got the message.

I'm just glad that she's still our little cuddle bug and kisses us goodnight...usually 5 or 6 times each night. She is slowly putting her baby dolls away, but is such a great babysitter, especially to her dozens of cousins. She is learning the ropes of having 8 classes to be responsible for...7th grade doesn't count, right? I love watching her progress every week as she dances with Colleen. She is now doing some of the dances I used to do. She has a long way to go, but she's having so much fun. Practicing the piano is becoming more of a challenge these days, but who ever liked to practice anyway? She loves her Young Women's group and leaders. What a crazy year this has been for her. It's so sad to see her grow up, but it's also so much fun to see what a beautiful young lady she is becoming. It's a time of lots of ups and downs in her life, but we're excited for all the fun times ahead!

Saying goodbye to Gracie

How do I even begin this post? How can I convey what it has been like for me to watch one of my very closest friends go through such a trial in her life with her cherished baby? How does anyone put into words the deep emotions that I have felt over this sweet baby girl? I have loved her before she was born and I will love her forever.

Gracie was born on March 20, 2008 with a broken little heart, but a perfect little soul. She underwent her first of three scheduled heart surgeries at four days old. All went as planned until 7 hours post surgery, she crashed and was put on life support (ECMO). Her family spent the next week and a half at her side praying for a miracle. They said their goodbyes and Gracie surprised even the most experienced doctors as her heart began to work. She spent the next 3 months in the hospital until she was finally well enough to come home to her beautiful loving home where she was adored by her two brothers and sister. Michele has documented each step of the journey in Gracie's blog.

During the next 8 months I spent many special moments with "my Gracie." At first I just tried to keep up with Michele to help her with all the many medical needs that Gracie had. There were round the clock meds to administer (just think about what a pain it is to give your child antibiotics 3 times a day for ten days for an ear infection...then multiply that by 10!) There were dressings to change on her incision, feeding tubes to insert and re insert, breast milk to be pumped and measured for her feeds that usually ended up in Gracie throwing most of it up, there were severe diaper rashes (seriously the saddest thing you could ever imagine), doctor appointments, piles of laundry, and three other children in the family that needed love and attention! As routines were developed and Gracie began to improve and heal, I got the privilege of spending quiet times with Gracie so that Michele could run the errands that never end in a normal family. Michele's strength and testimony began to shine forth like I had never before seen. We spent many mornings chatting, bathing Gracie, and cleaning her house side by side (something that we both enjoy doing) and it felt like the careless good old days. Gracie loved being in her crib and hated to be fussed over. It was rare when she wanted to be held, much less be cuddled, but I was able to have a few times with her when I got to hold her and love her. I will forever remember the Friday (Feb. 6, 2009) before she went back into the hospital. Jenny and I had decided to go to Michele's together to help her deep clean her house and get everything organized so that Michele could feel better about being gone everyday at the hospital. We had taken a break to have lunch and I started to clear the table to do the dishes when Jenny looked at Gracie and said, "Let the dishes wait and let's play with Gracie and Michele." I always tend to be the "Martha" in the story, but I'm thankful that Jenny was the "Mary" and helped remind me of what was important. We spent the next TWO hours on the floor playing with Gracie, taking pictures, and marveling at how Gracie was loving being on her stomach for the first time ever. I will cherish those two hours for the rest of my life!

Gracie's second surgery to continue to repair her heart was scheduled in November last year, but it was discovered through a lengthy cath. procedure that her heart was not strong enough for it. Her heart held on until February when the surgery became urgent. Again, her heart cath came back with the same problems. Her only hope would be a heart transplant. She was sent home to wait for the call. The next day it was discovered that her left side wasn't moving. Tom and Michele rushed her back up to Primary's. Her heart had begun to fail and her rapid loss of blood pressure had caused her to have something similar to a stroke. After several critical days, she was stabalized and put at the top of the list for a new heart. She would have to wait in the hospital until one became available. After only 3 days Michele got the call! I wasn't home and she left me a message with the news on my answering machine which I can't bear to delete. Her voice was the happiest I had heard her since she found out she was having a girl!

Gracie received her transplant on February 22, 2009. Everything was going well, until they unclamped the new heart and the left side didn't work! It's impossible to describe the range of emotions from sheer elation to devastation in less than 24 hours! She came out of the surgery on the ECMO machine AGAIN. This time, she was unable to recover. I had the beautiful and sacred experience of kissing her sweet little head as I whispered my goodbyes at the hospital last night. Such a peaceful spirit is felt in her presence.

Later today Tom and Michele will have to do the hardest thing any parent will ever be faced with. They will be turning everything off and say goodbye to their angel for the last time in this life (just 18 days before her one year old birthday and two days before her Daddy's birthday) She is my little hero. She has been SO STRONG and SO BRAVE! I love her so much. She knew exactly what her mission in life would be and was willing to come despite all the pain and all the restrictions. Her life literally touched thousands of people even though she spent 99% of her days either in the hospital or inside her home.

Her life is a testimony that God loves us and hears our prayers and grants miracles everyday! Some of those miracles happened in her life. Some of those miracles happened in the lives of all of us who loved her.

Some people who hadn't prayed in a long time, or maybe even ever, were reminded of the powers of heaven and brought to their knees.

Some people who had taken life for granted, hugged their children a little tighter each night.

Others who may have been struggling financially realized that they still had what was most important.

Some people whose marriages were detriorating were given second chances when they understood the importance of celestial marriage and eternal families.

Many, many people had their faith and testimonies strengthened that peace and comfort comes from turning to the Lord. That He has a plan for each of us. Sometimes it's what we want. Sometimes it's completely opposite. Sometimes we come to understand why. And sometimes we may never know. He died so that we can all return 'home' again. He lives and Gracie lives too! What a gift she has been in all of our lives. How blessed we were to be in the presence of such a perfect little spirit. I can just picture the reunion parties being planned in her heavenly home and the shouts of "Gracie's back" echoing through Heaven. She will finally have a complete and perfect heart and for that knowledge I am so grateful. May we be worthy to see her again someday.

I love you Gracie.

Thank you Michele, for letting me be a part of your life. Thank you for helping me see how blessed I am. Thank you for your friendship, your example, your faith, and your strength. Chance made us neighbors, luck made us friends, God made us sisters.

Please keep the Gledhills in your prayers today.

Before and After

Here are photos of Jordan's normal everyday room (well, except that it's clean which isn't normal). How can you grow up in this bedroom and go to the University of Utah? No way!

Yeah, I'll admit...I went a little crazy at the BYU bookstore, but this is a once in a lifetime thing!

Jordan had planned to go to Wingers after school on Friday like they used to do every week before their football games. While he was there, I texted him and told him that I knew he planned on going to the Lehi Basketball game that night (hence, the wacky retro basketball get-up he's wearing in the picture) and then to a friend's birthday party. I said that he COULD NOT go out tonight if he didn't come home and clean his room and put away his laundry. He came home around 4:00 and grudgingly walked up the stairs to do his "chores." He opened his door, looked around, and said, "I guess this means I was accepted to BYU?!!" His friend Jake (Ocho as we all call him) had come home with him and heard the commotion and ran upstairs. Together they went though all of his stuff and read through the acceptance letter. He loved everything and has been dressed in head to toe BYU for the last few days (except for the Lehi game because it was Retro night and they all had their outfits planned---I know boys don't use the word "outfits" but you know what I mean).

Here is an email that he wrote to my parents in response to a congratulations that they sent him from their mission (He really can spell and write well, but he was in texting mode):

"Thanks so much. I love you too. I'm so excited to go to BYU! I've been wanting to go there my whole life!! I might try and play football there too. I'll just try out after my mission. It'll be tough though. Last year they only let like 6 people on the team who tried out without scholarships, but we'll see. I'll have to work really hard! I just want it all to happen already! i wanna leave on my mission now so i can come back and get my life started! but most of all i wanna leave and teach the gospel asap. i cant wait. well i love you guys! and i hope you guys stay safe over there! Love Jordan"

Big Plans - Big Dreams - I'm excited to see them start to come true!

Classic Mormon Blooper

I feel insensitive posting a non-Gracie thing right now. So much has happened in the last two days in the Gledhill family and I can't hardly think straight from worry over "my Gracie." Please continue to pray for her. But I need to get my mind on other things even if for just one minute.

Jake was asked to give a talk in Sacrament meeting last Sunday. He chose the topic of service which is just his thing. I loved how he said that "When some people think of service, they think 'Aw, boring!' or 'It's so much work,' but service can be so fun. Especially if you call a friend and do service together. Or better yet, if you help a friend with an assignment or their chores so they can 'hang out' with you sooner." (Notice how he's too grown up to use the word "play" anymore.)

Then he went on to give examples of the Savior's life and how we should pattern our lives after Him. Jake started to tell a story of how his Dad helped him so much last summer by giving him a priesthood blessing when he was really sick that allowed him to be well for just the hour he needed for his Eagle Court of Honor. As he was telling the story, he was using the word "AND" to bridge alot of his sentences. He got wrapped up in his story and continued, "And it came to pass...." He paused, looked around, couldn't believe that he had just said that in a story about himself, and starting laughing along with most of the congregation. Our stake president was there that day and he and the Bishop were both cracking up! Maybe it's one of those things that sound dumb unless you were there, but it was so cute! At least it was a good slip-up and proof that we are reading the Book of Mormon in our family.

I love my little Jakers!

A heart for Gracie

Another miracle has been granted to our little Gracie. After being on the transplant list for only a few days, they got a call last night that a match was found and Gracie will be getting her new heart today! She is currently in surgery and needs all the prayers she can get.

Of course, we are also praying for the surgeons hands to be guided by our Heavenly Father and for comfort for the amazing donor family whose lives changed forever last night.

Michele is incredible at describing the minute by minute details so please link over to Gracie Gledhill's blog for updates and details.

We love you Gracie! Hang in there!

Oh Rise and Shout!

We got the long awaited admissions decision email just now....

Jordan was admitted to BYU!!!!

(I had to change my text color because this just doesn't look right in red)
My heart is pounding and my fingers are shaking. I'm so bummed that I turned on the computer just after he left for school so he doesn't know yet. I was thinking of texting him or checking him out of school, but instead I'm going to go clean the pig-sty of his room (including his nasty fishbowl), go down to the BYU bookstore to get some BYU stuff and balloons, and decorate his room with the printed Email on his bed. It will match perfectly since he already has a BYU themed room with a bold navy blue stripe on his wall that has "Rise and Shout The Cougars Are Out" painted on it.

I can't wait to see his face when he walks into his room later today!

I'll post a photo in a few days...I can't download any pictures right now because our computer is in the "hospital" and won't be back until Monday (I'm using an old lap top of Brendan's right now.)

Yes, I'm excited to say the least. This is something that Jordan has always dreamed of. He has worked so hard in school to keep up his grades despite all of the extra curricular activities that he does including a part time job. He's kept up a 4.0 all year, but that darn 23 on his ACT worried us because BYU is so strict and it's so hard to get in. As Brendan said this morning though, his low ACT score was off-set by his leadership responsibilities in sports, scouts, and the community. I also attribute it to prayers offered by his grandparents. I know all four of them have been praying for a "YES" and it seems that when they are in your corner, things always work out. Jordan is lucky to be loved so much by them. It's not like this was a life or death matter, but it means so much to Jordan and is such a huge step toward his future. I've been on my knees thanking our Heavenly Father for this huge blessing and an answer to our prayers.

GO COUGARS!

I just wanted to add a copy of the admissions letter for us to have in our family journal (our blog)...

Dear Jordan:

The Admissions Committee is delighted to inform you that you have been admitted to Brigham Young University to begin Fall 2009. Through your preparation and personal achievements you have distinguished yourself from a very strong group of applicants. We believe you will make a positive contribution to our BYU community. It is a great pleasure to welcome you to our campus to pursue your educational goals.

Once you have determined whether or not you will attend BYU, indicate your decision on the "Accept Decision" tab below. If you change your mind, simply come back to this page and select the appropriate response again. You have 30 days from your original acceptance date to make your final decision. Please note that if you select "I will not attend," it will restrict you from registering for classes.

Please click on the links below to find answers to frequently asked questions ranging from scholarships to housing. Please review this information carefully.

Best wishes as you finish this school year. We encourage you to continue to excel in the classroom and to maintain the standards outlined in the University Honor Code. Congratulations on your accomplishments!

Warmest regards,

R. Kirk Strong
Director of Admission Services

Heart Prayers on "Heart" Day

You never really know who is "peeking" in on your blog, so I thought this would be the best way to get the word out for a big favor.

My good friend Michele had a baby 11 months ago born with a heart problem (HLHS). She was supposed to have her 2nd of 3 surgeries to fix it last week, but it was determined that her heart is not strong enough to outway the risks and the only option for her is a heart transplant.

Just last night it was discovered that she had a stroke and it has sent her into heart failure. You can read all the details by clicking on my sidebar link listed as Gracie Gledhill. This little sweet"heart" is so special and has been through so much. I love her as my own and have had the amazing privilege of being blessed by her spirit as I have spent a morning every week or two with her as I've visited with Michele.

She is very critical right now, but her life on this earth has been full of miracles brought on by prayer and priesthood blessings. Only our Heavenly Father knows the plan for her right now and I know that He will take care of her. I pray that her family will feel our love and support. Even if you don't know them, please keep Gracie in your prayers for a heart miracle on this Valentine's Day.

So much happening, so little time!

So much happening, so little time. I had to change up my colors a bit because I am done with Winter!!!! The freezing weather and dark skies are enough for me. The least I could do is brighten up my blog a bit----with the limited (obviously, very limited) skills that I have about this.

My plan is to blog a little something about each of these events when I have time to spare (currently that sounds like a joke to me), but until then....I'm writing down my list before I forget.

---Jordan's wisdom teeth--not fun

---Basketball--fun

---Allison's 13th birthday--way fun

---Allison's new room

---Jake is growing by leaps and bounds

---Skiing

---Draper Temple Open House

Also just wanted to jot a little note to all my awesome family and friends...I LOVE your blogs. If you are on my sidebar, I have read all of your new entries, I promise. But I haven't had the time to write comments. I will add that to my list of things to do.

---Catch up on comments

Hugs to all...gotta start my day!

These Is My Words

I recently finished my first book of the year. My mother in law recommended it to me after she read it in her book club. I wasn't sure about it at first because I really didn't feel like reading a "Pioneer story" at the time. But it's not really that at all. It is a fictional diary of Sarah Prine set in the Arizona Territories during the late 1800's. She's not LDS and it's not about crossing the plains. It's written as journal entries. Her naive and pure look on life is so refreshing. She has the courage and determination that I wish I could have. Even though I don't have the same day to day trials as she faced, I related to her on so many levels. She was just a simple girl growing up and learning along the way. She tries to do the best she can with what life gives her. She is funny, gracious, humble, thankful, and a HARD WORKER. The book made me so much more grateful for my life. The emotions described in the book became very real. When I was done reading it, I held the book close to me as I was sad to be done, but grateful for the adventures it took me on. If you want to good book to read, this is a short fast read that will change your life. We would all be better by being more like Sarah Prine with her quiet inner strength and determination.

Oh Happy Day!

WOO HOO!!!! I just got notice that the CPSC has put a one year stay on the mandatory lead testing until further clarification and revisions can be made to the law.

Here is a small excerpt, "The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted unanimously to issue a one year stay of enforcement for certain testing and certification requirements for manufacturers and importers of regulated products.

Significant to makers of children’s products, the vote by the Commission provides limited relief from the testing and certification requirements which go into effect on February 10, 2009. Manufacturers and importers – large and small – of children’s products will not need to test or certify to these new requirements.

The decision by the Commission gives the staff more time to finalize four proposed rules which could relieve certain materials and products from lead testing and to issue more guidance on when testing is required and how it is to be conducted.

The stay will remain in effect until February 10, 2010, at which time a Commission vote will be taken to terminate the stay. "

Thank you to everyone for your prayers and support. Our voices were heard on Capitol Hill and "Up Above." Pass the word on if you know of anyone who is affected by this.

I'll go do my happy dance now!

It's who I am

I have been stressing out for a few months now over a vendor's exhibit I went to for a national Kid to Kid owner's meeting in Salt Lake this past Monday. And then this whole new law came out that really added to the stress. As far as that part goes, I have decided that I can afford to test a few samples of my ribbon and the other components only. It's up to me to do write up my certificate of compliance to my stores. They (Kid to Kid) are comfortable with that plan and then I will test a few more samples periodically throughout the year ($200-$300 each time) until I am comfortable that my products are lead free. I already know they are, but I have to PROVE it so that is my plan. The "letter of the law" is a little bit different, but after talking to several labs and actual employees of the CPSC, I feel comfortable in my decisions and will go forward with them, while crossing my fingers that current discussion about exempting fabrics and ribbon will be made into an ammendment.


As mentioned before, my bow business has been dwindling a little (well, actually a lot) these past few years. Being invited to have a booth of my products at this exhibit was a great opportunity, but I worried about the pros and cons until I was just about sick to my stomach.

If I did go, I might get a TON of business which is what most people would think the whole point is, but I do these bows all by myself. I don't have a warehouse and several employees whipping out bows for me. I know, I know....."Why not?"....you might ask. The potential to make a huge amount of money is right at my fingertips just waiting. But that is not my goal. My first priorities and commitments are to my husband and my kids. My friends and extended family are right behind them. My duties in my calling and service to my neighbors are also huge. I like having the time to cook dinner for my family each night (I said the "time" to cook, not the actual chore of cooking.) It's huge for me to go to each of my boy's football and basketball games and all the activities that go with that. I want to be able to be there to take Allison to dance in Provo twice a week. I want to be home when they get home. I want to be able to help with homework and projects. I want to be able to be there when they are home sick, even though they are old enough to take care of themselves now. I want to be there 100% for Brendan when he gets home so that he feels loved and needed and appreciated for his long days at work.

In my own little humble opinion, money is important for the necessities of life and a few comforts and I am so blessed and lucky to be married to a wonderful man who works hard to provide all of that and so much more for our family! For me, excessive amounts is NOT something that I long for. Sure it would be so fun to go on fabulous vacations and not have to save and budget for them for a year. Sure I would LOVE a closet full of new clothes (believe me I would REALLY LOVE that). Sure I would love to be able to write out a check to pay for college tuition in full for my kids. But those things wouldn't bring me the joy that I seek. I have been blessed with so much, but having the mental ability to give myself 110% at home and still have enough brain cells to juggle a real business is not one of them. I know that if I started a business that was making some serious money, I would NOT be any happier. In fact, I know that I would most likely be less happy because the things that bring me real joy would have to pay a price. In no way am I dogging any working mother out there or anybody who runs a successful business. I stand up and applaud you for being able to do that. I wish I could do that, but it's not who I am.


So as I sat there at my little Princess Bows booth at this exhibit, I made some observations about those around me, but especially about myself. There were real professionals there marketing all sorts of kid's products and there were some mom's like me just trying to make extra money. There were other bow vendors there....specifically this one lady from Texas that has pretty much dominated the entire bow business of Kid to Kid. She had two huge tables with thousands of bows displayed. She was giving each owner a bag to fill with whatever free samples they wanted. She was loud and in your face and a really good salesperson. She had everybody at her booth and she must have had at least $50,000 in orders placed with her. Contrast back now to me who sat there feeling like a fish out of water. My personality is so much the opposite of what every good salesperson should be. I had a decent display but this was an exhibit and so I didn't have quantities to sell. She was the only one that did that.

I had a few stragglers stop by and I got a few new customers and orders (3 to be exact that totaled a measely $1,100). But I am counting my blessings today because I accomplished all that I wanted to. I met with about 10 owners that I have been selling to for years, some of whom I had never met in person as their stores are not local. I solidified those relationships and am encouraged to continue business as usual with them. I'm glad to have a kind of friendship with just a few of the store owners and not a supplier/buyer relationship with everybody. I made just enough to cover the few odds and ends that we were hoping to pay off. A little more business would have been nice but I'm so glad that I will be able to continue doing business as usual and try to save up for desperately needed new carpet and couches in our family room this year. And that's just the way I would have wished the day to go.


I can't forget to be thankful for having been blessed to drive up to the Universtiy of Utah campus Marriott Hotel and back home in safety. It was slushy and it was snowy and I was taking deep breaths the whole time as I tried to conquer my fear of driving in heavy traffic on the freeway but I did it.


Man, I am such a whimp! I would never survive out

there in the real world. But that's ok. I am a wife. I am a

mother. I am a sister. I am a daughter. I

am an aunt. I am a friend. I have tears streaming

down my cheeks as I ponder what each of those roles

mean to me and the many people in my life that I love so

much! If I can just concentrate on trying to improve on

being better in those areas I am happy.

A date to remember

Jordan brings Nicole over afterschool once in a while to hang out with us. We sometimes play a game, watch a movie, eat, and chat. A few weeks ago, I captured a great date in the making.....




Now that's a date to remember! Don't you think?

CTR

Jordan usually finds the craziest things to wear to the high school basketball games. One of these days I'll try to catch him before he leaves and take a photo. This past week he came home with CTR written on one cheek and LDS on the other cheek. When I asked him, "What's up with that?" he replied, "Well, we played Juan Diego Catholic school tonight and we had to REPRESENT!" It made me smile to say the least.

Save Small Business Petition

I have received several emails and comments from friends and family about who to write or how to sign a petition.

I looked up my representatives and congressman names on-line and emailed them a letter. It takes a few minutes, but not that big of a hassle if you want to take the time. Here is the link if you live in Utah. http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm?State=UT

And if you happen to live in my same congressional district our Rep is Jim Matheson.
http://matheson.house.gov/contact.shtml


Click here http://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/info.aspx to email a quick note to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission directly.

If you don't have the time to do that, but would like to sign a petition, click here http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/handmadetoys?e
It's free and takes less than a minute of your time. After signing it, the site automatically directs you to a page to make a contribution. Just exit out. You don't have to contribute any money, but your signature still goes through.

Ok, I've given you some options. Thanks for your support! It ultimately affects us ALL!

Hold on to your seats...I'm speaking politics!

Remember my post of a few months ago about "50 things about me" and one was that I avoid politics? Well, I really do, but this has hit home on so many levels that I just can't keep quiet.

Some of you may know about this already but if you don't, here is a quick recap of what the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) means to you and me.

I don't take credit for writing all of the following as some of the material was copied from another blog, but you get the idea...

In August, a law was passed, that while with the best of intentions, will ultimately put THOUSANDS if not MILLIONS out of business, including me!

The CPSIA of 2008 has a great heart--protecting the safety of children. However, it was SO broadly written, SO vague and SO all encompassing that it is LUDICROUS! Basically what it states is anyone who creates products for children under the age of 12 will have to REDUNDANDTLY and COSTLY test their items for lead. While I applaud the idea...this law was written with NO REALISM!
I, for example, make and sell hairbows for children. I use basic materials you find in your local fabric/craft store. These materials are READILY available for me to use for my own personal use and considered COMPLETELY safe in that aspect. However, due to this new law, as of Feb 10 2009, SUDDENLY, those VERY SAME materials (ribbon, wire, hot glue, barrettes) that I have used for the past 12 years to create hair bows (many for my own daughter and nieces who are all alive and healthy and suffering no ill effects from my un-tested bows), will SUDDENLY be considered unsafe if I use them to make bows to sell? For example, for my bow business to fully comply, I need to send samples of each style of bow and in EVERY color to be tested. Then each component in each bow will be tested separately at a cost of $60.00 a test. I did the math yesterday and it comes to $138,700.00 Even if I tried to sneak around the law and just had the components tested separately without the finished product (which isn't really fully complying) it would still cost me $9,180.00! If I had that kind of money to waste on testing you think I'd be sitting here making bows? PLEASE! Then EVERY time I buy a new spool of ribbon or bag of barrettes, I need to pay $60.00 to get it tested. The "Sanches" in me says, "Whatever! Sell your bows anyway. No one is going to really care and your chances of getting caught are almost zero." But the reality is that I sell my bows to Kid to Kid stores nationwide and THEY are requiring me (as they should) to provide certificates of compliance to continue to buy my products for their stores because the fine for non-compliance is $100,000.oo per item! Most boutiques, craft shows, and internet sites will do the same to protect themselves.

This makes NO sense.
None.

We live in a unsteady economy...people are seeking any way possible to make a living. This law affects not only handmade artists like myself, but thrift shops, small businesses, schools and more! EVERYBODY will have to RAISE their prices because the companies they must buy from will have to RAISE their prices for tested products!

As previously discussed with family members, it's not just the fact that I would lose my business that I have built with much hard work, sweat, and tears for the past 12 years that has me so upset. Brendan and I will be ok. We'll figure something out. My bow money is used to supplement our income for things like sports, dance, vacations, car repairs, new furniture and the hundreds of other extras that never end in a normal family. It's not needed to pay the house payment or put food on the table. Thank goodness! Our kids are older and I am healthy and able/willing to get a job if needed. The point is that this affects SO many people who ARE trying to support their families and pay the mortgage. Who were lucky enough, and smart enough, and talented enough, to figure out a way to do it. And now the government is making it impossible for them to do just that.

Here is a video that I found on you-tube that showcases just a SMALL portion of items that will soon be banned and will have to be thrown away unless they are tested.


Please write your reprenstatives and congressman and let your opinions be heard.
And if you want a cute hair bow for cheap, meet me at the corner at 2:00 a.m. I'll be in disguise :)

#21 is here!

Congratulations to Brendan's brother Brian and his wife Lauren. They had their beautiful baby girl yesterday morning. I got to go see her for a few minutes at the NICU in Provo as her lungs were having a few issues, but seem to be getting much better by the minute. She is pink, pudgy, squishy, with lots of hair, and the most beautiful skin ever! We can't wait to hold her! No name yet so we'll just call her "Agent 21" for now as she is the 21st grandchild on that side of the family. Girls are up by one! It's up to Pam to even it out in August. Pressure is on......

When life gives you lemons

Snow looks nice on Christmas movies, but shoveling it and driving in it and trying to stay warm during snow storm after snow storm...well, it gets to be old really fast!

So, as the old saying goes, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." And Jake knows how to make really good lemonade! Jake, Allison, and their cousin Cassie spent about an hour packing snow on our back deck stairs to make a ski ramp. The girls had fun sledding down it, but Jake got out his full ski gear. I filmed a little bit, but went in before he perfected his ski jump at the end.

A good start to 2009

After Brendan and Jordan got home from work, we started out the evening celebrations by going down to Fat Cats in Provo for bowling and dinner. Nicole beat us all the first round. I was just thrilled to beat Brendan for the first time that I can remember in anything! It didn't last for long as I came in dead last for round 2. I was pathetic! Even more pathetic was the fact that I forgot my camera. We stopped to buy some "bubbly" at the store and at Krispy Kreme to get 800 calorie doughnuts. Brendan's mom, one his brothers and two of his sisters came by for a super fun and competitive night of games.

We'll never be able to say the word "stable" again without thinking of Brendan screaming to his team "NO!!!! THE OTHER WORD FOR BARN!!!!) You had to be there. Brian got a little carried away with the noise makers and scared half our neighborhood. Sorry neighbors for the obnoxious sound coming out our back door at midnight.

Cassie wasn't able to quite hold out. She found a little corner to hide and curl up.

Brian and Jack each doing their "Jiggy dance" for the new year.

Jessica and Jake...the Scattergories champions hands down!

We toasted to two upcoming 2009 high school graduates!

We also toasted to two new healthy babies to be born this coming year (not ours!), to the first of the next generation of missionaries in our family and that Jordan would be called to serve somewhere where it's warm year round, to Jessica surviving another hot summer in Arizona, to Jake surviving his first year in high school, to Jack getting potty trained, and lot's of other funny things pertaining to everyone that was here.

On New Year's Day we attempted to go see a movie with all of Brendan's siblings and their spouses. It ended up being quite an ordeal and after hours of phone calls back and forth, cancelled and rescheduled babysitting, ticket buying fiasco's and everything else that could go wrong, 10 out of the 14 of us that live here ended up enjoying what I thought was a very good movie "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." It was 3 hours and a bit drawn out, but I thought it was one of those movies that you really savor. When it was over Joel said, "What time is it...like 11 pm?" The movie started at 4. I loved it and so did Brendan and highly recommend it. Joe on the other hand said, "Ok, I was thinking, Turn into a baby, already!" You gotta love the guys.

2009 is a year that I have anticipated and dreaded for a long time as I will see my first born graduate from high school, go off to college, and on to his mission! It's certainly going to be a rollercoaster ride. I'm not sure I want to get in the line.