The Rooks

Ron, Gavin, Naomi, Garrett, and Paige

The Lew Grover Family

Randy, Scott, Carol, Lew, Doug, Cari, and Paul

Happy 50th Anniversary! Heres to 50 more years!

The J.J. Seamons Family

J.J., Max, Meg, Sam, and Ellie

The Doug Grover Family

Chris, Doug, Johanna, and Sally

I miss Jamie!

The Bickleys

Nick, Rick, Dani, Cari, and Reggie

The Ben Grover Family

And last, but certainly not least, Alisha, Ben, and Brigham

The Paparazzi deserves credit

My sister Emily just called me and reminded me that she was the paparazzi that took the picture. Thought you should know. :-)

Will My Heart Go On?

Last week I went on vacation. And boy, what a vacation it was! I'm sure you are wondering what this photo is about, and I'll tell you. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Celine Dion was on the Teacups with us at Disneyland. And while that wasn't necessarily the high point of our trip, it was certainly one of them.

Actually the high point of our trip was seeing my friend Robert playing Javert in Les Miserables. Incredible! They are only on tour for another 6 weeks so if you are in one of the cities they are playing, I definitely recommend it. He really does kick ass.

Other high points were:

• The fact that I made it through a road trip without killing someone.
• Going to the Ocean for the first time in my life.
• Loria. (It seems that I can only survive road trips with her. She's incredibly Zen.)
• Spending time with Emily who is always good for a laugh.
• And Disneyland...again, another first.

Now let's talk about the low points. Low points didn't really happen until about 8:30 Friday night, the last night of our trip at... yes, the Happiest Place on Earth. First of all, I didn't take good shoes. I should have known, but I'd never had a problem with these shoes, so I thought they'd be OK. Hmmmm... no. By 8:30 I had the beginnings of a blister the size of Rhode Island on the ball of my foot, that grew in to a blister the size of Texas. We decided to watch the fireworks and Loria got punched in the chest, then yelled at for being too close to the person who hit her. Well, that was the beginning of the end for her. From then on she was thrown from one end of the park to another by incredibly stupid people.

By the end of the night we were ready to go home. The vacation was great and it was time for it to be over. Well, this is Melissa we are talking about and it's NEVER that easy. When we got off the shuttle to the parking lot Loria said to me "Did I give you the keys?" ...

Let's just make the long story short and say that God was smiling on us because the next morning they were at lost and found and we were able to drive home. Sigh!

So, yes, my heart will go on. I no longer have to hobble from place to place, and I can actually laugh about my first ever trip to "The Happiest Place on Earth."

Top 10 Most Beautiful Children

This post might just cause some controversy, but I do believe that the final spot in the 10 most beautiful children in the world was just filled...that is until the 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, etc. are born. She's my neice and her name is Chloe. And the older one is her big sister Hattie and I'm telling you, she is loving that kid! But you know, who can blame her?

I just needed to laugh today

If you are ever in a bad mood, one of these two people will definately help pull you out of it. Or you can just look at this picture.

World Water Day

You know, it seems that whenever I get around to posting lately I'm on a mission about something and today is no different. When I got an email today saying that it was World Water Day I thought it was it was kind of odd. But then I read about it and realized what a big problem it is. Nearly 1.1 billion people (roughly 20% of the world’s population) lack access to safe drinking water. Think of it this way, you have 5 people in your family, now choose 1 that has to walk 6 miles in the dirt and heat to get all their water for cooking, cleaning, and drinking. And to top it off, that water isn't safe for them to drink.

So the question becomes, what do we do? And to be honest with you, I don't know. I do know that when there is an opportunity, I will give. I'll give through my church, I'll write emails and make phone calls for the One Campaign. In fact, if you are in Ogden Utah on March 28, there is a benefit concert at Weber State University to build a water well at an orphanage in Rwanda. Tickets are only $8 at the door and there is a silent auction. I'll be going and I have some extra tickets if any of you are interested.

We may not be in a position to give large amounts of money, but we can give time. We can give our voice. We've got to carry each other!

Anyone know where Melissa is?

They took your life, they could not take your PRIDE

If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That's a new definition of greatness.

And this morning, the thing that I like about it: by giving that definition of greatness, it means that everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don't have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don't have to know Einstein's theory of relativity to serve. You don't have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love. And you can be that servant.

~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., from The Drum Major Instinct speech

Today is the day that we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man who, as my brother says, changed our nation. His work and his spirit hopefully continue to do so today. Let us carry on his work, let us dream his dream. Let us not think of this day as a day off, but a day on.

If it ain't broke...

This cartoon, by the brilliant Calvin Grondahl, was in the Standard Examiner yesterday and it inspired me to blog. If you haven't heard about the controversy happening here (if you live in Utah like I do, you must live in a hole so please dig yourself out and read a newspaper), just google Brokeback Mountain, Larry Miller, you'll get up to speed. Anyway, after laughing my ... head off, I started to really think.

If you don't want to read, here's the gist. Larry H. Miller, owner of the Utah Jazz, several car dealerships and a movie theatre called Megaplex 17 at Jordan Commons, contracted to show Brokeback Mountain at his Megaplex. Actually, his managers did that. Frankly I don't think he keeps too close an eye on what shows at his theatre, seeing as there are currently two movies with "homosexual themes" and one that sounds horrifying, called Hostel. Well, at the last minute, after advertising that they were showing Brokeback Mountain, Larry pulled it. Apparently he heard that it was a "homosexual themed movie," and that was enough. Needless to say, there is now uproar on both sides of the spectrum.

The whole thing just makes me sad. Sometimes I find myself living a very naive existence. In my world (yes, it's a world inside my head), you love someone for who they are, not who they love. You love them for the simple fact that they are your "fellow man." Or if you are a Mormon like me, it's like the Primary song says "Jesus said love everyone. Treat them kindly too. If your heart is filled with love, others will love you." It's something I truly believe. I was taught to live my life with a heart full of love (Sorry, Les Mis moment. Robert, if you are reading this that was for you.), I was taught to love with out regard for difference. I was just taught to love.

Unfortunately, that is not the world we live in. It breaks my heart that we live in a world full of hate and fear and bigotry. I think sometimes we forget the struggles of those who came before us, specifically the Mormons. My great-great-great-grandparents were forced from their homes, driven from state to state because of what they believed. They were ridiculed, they were terrorized, they were ordered to be exterminated, and they fled. They came to the Salt Lake Valley where they could live free from fear. Yet, here we sit passing judgment against people who are different from us, people who believe differently than we do.

Yes, I have seen Brokeback Mountain, and yes, I thought it was a beautiful film. But I'm not here to tell you to go see it. All I'm asking is, please, don't judge someone just because they are different from you. Don't fear what you don't understand. It's like I've said before, there is too much suffering in this world, we’ve got to carry each other.

Wow, this post turned in to something different than it started out as. But I won't apologize for it. Again, it may be a post I get grief for, but I welcome it. Post your comments, I'll love you for them whatever your opinion may be.

P.S. A word about the title of this post. There's a search for a new slogan for the State of Utah. A friend of a friend ... and so on, thinks it should be "Utah! If the mountain ain't broke, don't fix it." :-)

December

I just got an email from a friend of mine who said "You'd better blog soon. I check so often that it's almost embarrassing." So here I am. I'm sorry for being absent for the month of December. The reason I didn't blog was because I didn't think I had anything to blog about, but then as I thought about it I thought, 'Isn't that what this blog is all about?' So here I am in a new month and a new year, still with nothing to blog about, but a resolve to blog more, even if it is about nothing.

Actually, as I look back over the last month, there are at least a couple of things that happened that are blog worthy the least of which was the U2 concert ... sigh. Christmas was very blog-worthy seeing as I had pneumonia (we think, I still haven't been to the doctor...I know, I know, but I just don't wanna). OK, so those were the only two blog worthy things that happened in December, but still they are pretty blog worthy.

Let’s talk about the U2 concert ... sigh. What can I say about the best 3 hours of 2005? They were just that, the best 3 hours of 2005. And that's pretty much all I can say about that. It was one of those "you just had to be there" things. Those of you who were there know what I mean.

Christmas on the other hand ... let's just say it was miserable. Don't get me wrong, the Christmas holiday was wonderful, my family was great, gifts were beyond great, but I was miserable. I'm telling you I was sick, sick, sick. The problem was that while my family and friends were having parties and having a great time, I was pretty miserable. I didn't even get out to see the lights. There were some great gifts though, (one of which deserves it's very own blog) and even though I couldn't taste, there was some great food.

So there is my December. I promise I'll post more soon!

A "Holiday" Soapbox

I am probably going to get some grief for this post, but I'm tired. I'm tired of getting emails saying that we should force retailers to use the word Christmas in their advertising. I love the people who are sending me these emails, truly I do, but I disagree with what they are saying.

You see, I am a Mormon, and therefore Christian. I celebrate Christmas. But I also try to respect people of other faiths who don't. When I do send Christmas cards (which isn't often), I send cards that say "Happy Holidays." Not because I don't want to celebrate the birth of Christ, but because I have people on my list who don't. They do however celebrate the holidays. It isn't my job to force my beliefs upon them, it is my job to love them and respect them and their beliefs, just as they respect mine.

To me, Christmas is not about retailers who will or won't say the words "Merry Christmas." And frankly I could care less about the Jerry Falwell’s and Bill O'Reilly's who are saying there is a "War on Christmas." To me, Christmas is about celebrating the birth and the life of Christ. He was, and is not a respecter of persons. He loves all of us, Christian and non-Christian alike. Whatever words we choose to use or whatever faith we choose to practice, Christ loves us unconditionally. Whether we choose to say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays,” Christmas is not in danger. Our beliefs are not in danger, because they are just that, our beliefs. No one can take them from us.

So, to the three of you who I know read this blog, Happy Holidays! For those of you I don’t know about, have a wonderful holiday season, whatever you choose to celebrate.

More than you want to know

I was reading my friends blog the other day and I'm telling you, if you haven't read it, you should. She is funny and charming and very engaging. Anyway, she stole the following idea from a random blog that she read and now I'm stealing it from her. And I'm telling you it is harder than it sounds.

So, here you go. 100 things you never knew you wanted to know about me.

1. I love Art!


2. I don’t like to drive.


3. I think Ice Cream can fix any problem.


4. I wish I could draw.


5. I have watery eyes (thanks to my father).


6. I don’t cry nearly as much as I’d like to.


7. I’m an obsessive reader. If I find a book I like I don’t get anything else done until I’ve read it.


8. I color my hair once a month (otherwise I’d look a whole lot older than I’d like to look).


9. I’m terrible at writing letters, even when it is as easy as sending an email.


10. I love to sing, and will do it whenever I have the chance.


11. I go to church every Sunday.


12. I had a dog, but it was so painful when we had to put him down, I don’t want another one.


13. History fascinates me.


14. I’ve recently started watching Desperate Housewives.


15. My best friend is in Napoleon Dynamite.


16. I’d much rather be behind the camera than in front.


17. Public speaking terrifies me, but I’m actually pretty good at it.


18. When I get nervous I crack jokes.


19. I love to knit.


20. I like to make beaded jewelry.


21. Meeting famous people does nothing for me (unless it is any of the members of U2, then I’d be a mess).


22. I’ve been to Paris.


23. I don’t like Ballet.


24. I’ve blocked out most of High School.


25. I’m terrible at remembering names, but I rarely forget a face.
    
26. I think standing ovations are over rated and I rarely stand with the crowd.


27. I love musical theatre.


28. I like jell-o


29. Sometimes I wish it was socially acceptable for a 35 year old to color.


30. When I’m sick I always want my Mom to take care of me.


31. I was once addicted to caffeine, and kicking that habit is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.


32. I love giving gifts.


33. I wish my birthday was in April instead of February.


34. I think going to a U2 concert is a spiritual experience.


35. My fingernails grow way too fast.


36. I get a pedicure once a month.


37. I get warts on my fingers.


38. I’m shy, but most people don’t believe me when I say that.


39. When I was little I wanted to be a writer...and a hair stylist.


40. I have very little patience.


41. When I’m stressed my eye twitches.


42. The words "The Nutcracker" make me want to slit my wrists.


43. With the exception of the years 1999 & 2000, I haven’t had a Thanksgiving weekend off in 12 years (see #42).


44. Did I mention that U2 is the greatest band in the history of bands?


45. I’m a photographer (though not professionally).


46. I have 4 brothers and 2 sisters.


47. I’ve lived in Utah my whole life and never skied.


48. I’m afraid of water.


49. Fall is my favorite season.


50. I know how to start a pretty good fire, though I don’t much like to camp.


51. I was once bit by a rare tick and was sick for a month and a half before the doctor figured out what was wrong with me (I thought I was going to die…literally).


52. I love to take baths.


53. I love the Eiffel Tower.


54. I’m very straight forward (some would call it blunt).


55. One of my biggest pet peeves is milk left out on the counter.
    
56. I’m terrible at math.


57. I’ve been to the Olympics.


58. I don’t like to shop, but I love to spend money.


59. When I get sleepy I get chatty.


60. I don’t like to wear shoes.


61. I own 10 scarves but only 1 coat.


62. I think that coconut is the most disgusting food ever (except the time I didn’t know I was eating it, then it was pretty good).


63. Deer Lake in Washington is my favorite place on earth.


64. I think it is better to see Shakespearean plays than to read them.


65. I have carpel tunnel.


66. I’m lactose intolerant.


67. Stupid people make me crazy, which is kind of a bold statement, because who is to say that I’m not a stupid person.


68. I would love to win the lottery but would never buy a ticket.


69. I’m a Mormon.


70. I love surprises.


71. I own a Magic 8 Ball.


72. I think Wal-mart is evil.


73. I’m a democrat, which is kind of an oxymoron when you read #69.


74. I own three cameras.


75. I make fun of bad theatre (which is sometimes a good thing, but not always).


76. I don’t like yellow mustard, but LOVE Dijon mustard.


77. Making this list is a lot harder than I thought it was going to be.


78. I’ve never been to Disney Land.


79. I don't like Country Music.


80. My X-men name is Distract-o (because I’m distract-ed, not distract-ing).


81. I have 5 nieces, and 4 nephews, with one on the way and I LOVE being an Aunt.


82. I love New York City.


83. Spiders scare the crap out of me.


84. I love classical music.


85. Lara Deppe is one of the funniest people I know (and I know some funny people).


86. I think clowns are scary.


87. I’m allergic to Nuts.


88. I can’t sleep if my bedroom door is open.


89. It bothers me when someone opens a door for me.


90. I’m always late, except to Theatre, Movies and Concerts.


91. I’m kind of bossy…ok, that’s an understatement.


92. I’m prone to exaggeration.


93. I’m short.


94. I think the only thing worse than cleaning the toilet is having a dirty toilet.


95. I hate road trips.


96. I’ve never voted for anyone named George Bush (and, yes, I was old enough to vote when the first one ran for a second term).


97. I always keep 2 emails in my inbox so that I can hear the guy say "You’ve Got Mail."


98. I’m listed in the phone book.


99. Old people make me smile


100. I’ve never been to the Ocean.

Note about the following post

It's just a rant. If you are a Wal-Mart shopper, own it, embrace it. I'll still love you!

Evil, thy name is Wal-Mart

In fact, my brother calls them the Whore of all the Earth, and I don't think he's too far off.

My sister Blemily (who is nowhere to be found in the "blogosphere," so I can't link you to her...although, I would LOVE it if she were) sent me an article today called Global Insight Releases New Study on the Impact of Wal-Mart on the U.S. Economy. Now, being the TOTALLY right brained artistic loser that I am, most of what I read sounded a lot like "Blah blah blah blah, Wal-Mart blah blah." But the 5% that I actually use of the left lobe of my brain understood this article to mean, that Wal-Mart hired Global Insight to do a study and then sponsored a conference in order to pat themselves on the back and say "we are single-handedly saving the U.S. Economy." In the words of my sister "It’s amazing what they’ll do to make it look like it’s all OK."

Let me tell you how I see Wal-Mart. First of all, where I live, you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a Wal-Mart store (including the Neighborhood Markets and Sam's Club). I did a little search on walmart.com and found that there are 20 stores within 50 miles of me, and 11 with 30 miles, and that's not including the 3 Sam's Clubs that I know of, and the new store they are building in Centerville. To me, that's a little excessive. I also see that while the Wal-Mart Super Stores parking lots are constantly buzzing, other similar shopping centers are nearly empty. But I get it, Wal-Mart's prices are low. That is the plain and simple truth. And I completely understand that some people simply can't afford to shop other places.

But...

The real reason I cannot bring myself to shop at the above mentioned Super Store has to do with something that happened nearly 9 ago. My best friend was killed in a crash when a Truck Driver fell asleep at the wheel and hit her head on. What does that have to do with Wal-Mart you ask? Well, recently Wal-Mart lobbied congress to extend the workday for truckers to 16 hours as long as truckers took an unpaid two-hour break. Currently, their workday is limited to 14 hours with only 11 consecutive hours of driving allowed...math may not be my strongest suit, but that sounds like not only a shorter day, but a longer break. And longer breaks mean more rest, and more rest means safer drivers. I personally think that is enough.

I miss my friend, and boycotting Wal-Mart isn't going to bring her back. In fact, I'm lucky, in that I know I will see her again. But a tired trucker broke the hearts of my friend's family, and mine. And I can't support a company that would allow that to happen again, no matter how low their prices are.

Holy cow! That's my second soap box in a row. At least it's a new week.

;-)

One

The One Declaration

"WE BELIEVE that in the best American tradition of helping others help themselves, now is the time to join with other countries in a historic pact for compassion and justice to help the poorest people of the world overcome AIDS and extreme poverty. WE RECOGNIZE that a pact including such measures as fair trade, debt relief, fighting corruption and directing additional resources for basic needs - education, health, clean water, food, and care for orphans - would transform the futures and hopes of an entire generation in the poorest countries, at a cost equal to just one percent more of the US budget. WE COMMIT ourselves - one person, one voice, one vote at a time - to make a better, safer world for all."

Ok, I’ll admit it, the reason I know about the One Campaign, is that I’m a huge U2 fan. But let me tell you part of the reason that I’m a huge U2 fan. Its things like the One Campaign and the fact that their music means something. It isn’t just drivel spewing from talent-free children who have the right PR people to make a name for them. (Did I just use the word drivel in a sentence?) They may be celebrities, but they realize that the price of greatness is responsibility.

So, to all three of you who actually read this blog, go sign this declaration, buy the wrist band, tell all your friends to sign, put a banner on your website (or blog, like the cool animated one up in the corner). So what if you can’t do a whole lot, just do something (and if the only thing you can do is sign your name to the declaration, so be it.) There is too much suffering in this world, we’ve got to carry each other.

And that's my soap box for the week.