Nicholas trying out his new Christmas XBOX!

Thanks Santa!

Santa brought me a kitchen scale! Finally!

Just a thought

There really aren't many things better than laughing cow creamy swiss.

This is my joke....

Who killed Cap'n Crunch?

P.S. No Cheating!! to those of you who I already told!

Tee Hee

A little late but still funny. :D

Gaahaa.

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,
I have been a very, very good girl this year. I would like a kitchen scale to make you perfect cookies, a double boiler to make you delicious candies and a puppy......wait.....scratch the puppy and just bring some earrings.

Love, Sara

P.S. Do you know any kids that want a puppy?

Happy Anniversary!

Ben and I just celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary! Crazy!

Absolutely Amazing

Increased Security

Hello Friends!
Sorry for the inconvenience between the time of me making my blog private and inviting friends to view. I didn't realize how loved I was until the angry emails started flowing in! :D
Operation: Blog is back up and running!

What?!

Caught in the act of licking the mustard off Ben's plate.

Give Food, Support Utah!

To all who are interested in participating, you can drop food off to me and I will take it where it needs to go! Let's help out those who are struggling in Utah!

~~This year's Utah vs. BYU Rivalry Week Food Drive, which runs from Friday, November 12, through game day on Saturday, November 27, represents the end of an era.  Starting next season, the annual rivalry game will move up to September and, as everyone knows, the schools will no longer be in the same
athletic conference.

To mark the end of an era, both schools want to shatter all previous food and fund collection totals.  All donations made by Utah supporters go to support the Utah Food Bank.

To help the U achieve victory, both on and off the field, please consider making a monetary donation online at

         https://www.umail.utah.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=0b4fca5b7b624f55adb6672794bf7dc0&URL=https%3a%2f%2fwww.utahfoodbank.org%2fRivalry-Drive

The U has developed two promotions to encourage food and monetary donations:

1. Starting on Friday, November 12, you can bid on unique University of Utah and other items donated by local businesses in our first-ever online auction, at

        https://www.umail.utah.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=0b4fca5b7b624f55adb6672794bf7dc0&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.alumni.utah.edu%2frivalryweek

   Offerings include a golf outing with Coach Jim Boylen and a stay at the Grand America Hotel, which includes Utah Jazz tickets, among other attractions.  All auction proceeds go directly to the Utah Food Bank.

2. On Wednesday, November 17, students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to "Drive Through and Drop Off" food donations at either the Alumni House (155 S. Central Campus Drive) or the Central Development Office (540 Arapeen in Research Park). "Drive Through and Drop Off" goes from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. --
only one day, so please mark your calendars.

You can also drop off nonperishable food items at the Alumni House between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays anytime during the food drive.

With the struggling economy, the Utah Food Bank reports a sharp increase in requests for assistance at this critical time of the year.  With your help, Utah can sweep BYU this season, both on the field and in the Rivalry Week Food Drive.

Thank you for your generosity, and please donate by Saturday, November 27!

Go Utes!~~

UPDATE: Sara and Ben + 6

I am just waiting for the day we have ten animals and/or chillins.....then it will be Sara and Ben + 10! Sweet!

I am still working at the University Hospital in the central pharmacy and in the newborn intensive care unit. Yes, I still like it and find it challenging. Yes, I wish I didn't have to work. No, the money isn't worth it. ;D I'm not meant to work I have decided. I would rather cook, clean, mow lawns, feed chickens, do laundry, sew, feed horses, manage bills, etc. (So basically I would rather just do these instead of doing these plus working!)

I am enjoying a lot of baking lately! I really don't eat a lot of baked goods though so I will be sending out mass text messages for y'all to come-n-get it. So if you want some...it's yours!

Ben is still working his construction. He likes that manual labor stuff. He has been enjoying building up his jeep lately. We are excited to do some jeeping next year.

We still have our 2 dogs, 2 chickens and 2 horses. If only Noah had a farm...

That's about it...
...just in case y'all were wonderin'.

CupCakes Anyone?!

Nicholas had a MEGAMIND Birthday Party last week! His party was hosted inside the Jordan Commons IMAX Theater. We had some chaotic fun and good treats and then everyone headed into the theater to see Megamind 3D. (Megamind is a new animated film that I definitely recommend to all kids and adults! 4 stars! I loved it. )

Besides having some great entertainment, we had some good eats! I made the cupcakes for Nicholas' birthday (as is tradition now) and had a ton of fun doing it. The party theme was obviously Megamind, who is a blue space villian, so the color blue and stars was a major theme!

I was a baking fool (I baked 100 cupcakes!). I'm not sure how many actually ended up at the party because Ben had to keep taste testing them for me. He's so sweet like that.....actually I really did make him taste test these because they were from scratch and I ended up having to change quite a few of the original recipes. See below what ya missed out on!

Cupcakes for Nicholas' Birthday Party!



Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Buttercream Icing



Pumpkin Spice Cake with Honey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Icing

  

Blue Velvet Cake with Sweet Cream Cheese Icing

 I may just start sending out a mass text message to come get some cupcakes because I only eat like 2 total out of a whole batch.....and 1 batch makes a lot of cupcakes! I just love to bake but I can't eat that many! (Thank Goodness!)

Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

Only in California would they try to make pot legal and happy meals outlawed. ;D

I love KBull.

'Dad'cula and 'Neck'olas

Like father like son. :)

"Come What May, and Love It"

This is a little long but it is well worth the read.

~

Supplement from Conference talk

"Come What May, and Love It"

by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

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

When I was young I loved playing sports, and I have many fond memories of those days. But not all of them are pleasant. I remember one day after my football team lost a tough game, I came home feeling discouraged. My mother was there. She listened to my sad story. She taught her children to trust in themselves and each other, not blame others for their misfortunes, and give their best effort in everything they attempted.

When we fell down, she expected us to pick ourselves up and get going again. So the advice my mother gave to me then wasn’t altogether unexpected. It has stayed with me all my life.
“Joseph,” she said, “come what may, and love it.” I have often reflected on that counsel.

I think she may have meant that every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don’t sing and bells don’t ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result.

There may be some who think that General Authorities rarely experience pain, suffering, or distress. If only that were true. While every man and woman on this stand today has experienced an abundant measure of joy, each also has drunk deeply from the cup of disappointment, sorrow, and loss. The Lord in His wisdom does not shield anyone from grief or sadness.

For me, the Lord has opened the windows of heaven and showered blessings upon my family beyond my ability to express. Yet like everyone else, I have had times in my life when it seemed that the heaviness of my heart might be greater than I could bear. During those times I think back to those tender days of my youth when great sorrows came at the losing end of a football game.

How little I knew then of what awaited me in later years. But whenever my steps led through seasons of sadness and sorrow, my mother’s words often came back to me: “Come what may, and love it.”

How can we love days that are filled with sorrow? We can’t—at least not in the moment. I don’t think my mother was suggesting that we suppress discouragement or deny the reality of pain. I don’t think she was suggesting that we smother unpleasant truths beneath a cloak of pretended happiness. But I do believe that the way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life.

If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness.

Over the years I have learned a few things that have helped me through times of testing and trial. I would like to share them with you.

Learn to Laugh
The first thing we can do is learn to laugh. Have you ever seen an angry driver who, when someone else makes a mistake, reacts as though that person has insulted his honor, his family, his dog, and his ancestors all the way back to Adam? Or have you had an encounter with an overhanging cupboard door left open at the wrong place and the wrong time which has been cursed, condemned, and avenged by a sore-headed victim?

There is an antidote for times such as these: learn to laugh.

I remember loading up our children in a station wagon and driving to Los Angeles. There were at least nine of us in the car, and we would invariably get lost. Instead of getting angry, we laughed. Every time we made a wrong turn, we laughed harder.

Getting lost was not an unusual occurrence for us. Once while heading south to Cedar City, Utah, we took a wrong turn and didn’t realize it until two hours later when we saw the “Welcome to Nevada” signs. We didn’t get angry. We laughed, and as a result, anger and resentment rarely resulted. Our laughter created cherished memories for us.

I remember when one of our daughters went on a blind date. She was all dressed up and waiting for her date to arrive when the doorbell rang. In walked a man who seemed a little old, but she tried to be polite. She introduced him to me and my wife and the other children; then she put on her coat and went out the door. We watched as she got into the car, but the car didn’t move. Eventually our daughter got out of the car and, red faced, ran back into the house. The man that she thought was her blind date had actually come to pick up another of our daughters who had agreed to be a babysitter for him and his wife.

We all had a good laugh over that. In fact, we couldn’t stop laughing. Later, when our daughter’s real blind date showed up, I couldn’t come out to meet him because I was still in the kitchen laughing. Now, I realize that our daughter could have felt humiliated and embarrassed. But she laughed with us, and as a result, we still laugh about it today.

The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable.

Seek for the Eternal
The second thing we can do is seek for the eternal. You may feel singled out when adversity enters your life. You shake your head and wonder, “Why me?”

But the dial on the wheel of sorrow eventually points to each of us. At one time or another, everyone must experience sorrow. No one is exempt.

I love the scriptures because they show examples of great and noble men and women such as Abraham, Sarah, Enoch, Moses, Joseph, Emma, and Brigham. Each of them experienced adversity and sorrow that tried, fortified, and refined their characters.

Learning to endure times of disappointment, suffering, and sorrow is part of our on-the-job training. These experiences, while often difficult to bear at the time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our compassion for others.

Because Jesus Christ suffered greatly, He understands our suffering. He understands our grief. We experience hard things so that we too may have increased compassion and understanding for others.

Remember the sublime words of the Savior to the Prophet Joseph Smith when he suffered with his companions in the smothering darkness of Liberty Jail:

“My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;"
"And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.”1

With that eternal perspective, Joseph took comfort from these words, and so can we. Sometimes the very moments that seem to overcome us with suffering are those that will ultimately suffer us to overcome.

The Principle of Compensation
The third thing we can do is understand the principle of compensation. The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude.

One of the blessings of the gospel is the knowledge that when the curtain of death signals the end of our mortal lives, life will continue on the other side of the veil. There we will be given new opportunities. Not even death can take from us the eternal blessings promised by a loving Heavenly Father.

Because Heavenly Father is merciful, a principle of compensation prevails. I have seen this in my own life. My grandson Joseph has autism. It has been heartbreaking for his mother and father to come to grips with the implications of this affliction.

They knew that Joseph would probably never be like other children. They understood what that would mean not only for Joseph but for the family as well. But what a joy he has been to us. Autistic children often have a difficult time showing emotion, but every time I’m with him, Joseph gives me a big hug. While there have been challenges, he has filled our lives with joy.

His parents have encouraged him to participate in sports. When he first started playing baseball, he was in the outfield. But I don’t think he grasped the need to run after loose balls. He thought of a much more efficient way to play the game. When a ball was hit in his direction, Joseph watched it go by and then pulled another baseball out of his pocket and threw that one to the pitcher.

Any reservations that his family may have had in raising Joseph, any sacrifices they have made have been compensated tenfold. Because of this choice spirit, his mother and father have learned much about children with disabilities. They have witnessed firsthand the generosity and compassion of family, neighbors, and friends. They have rejoiced together as Joseph has progressed. They have marveled at his goodness.

Trust in the Father and the Son
The fourth thing we can do is put our trust in our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.”2 The Lord Jesus Christ is our partner, helper, and advocate. He wants us to be happy. He wants us to be successful. If we do our part, He will step in.

He who descended below all things will come to our aid. He will comfort and uphold us. He will strengthen us in our weakness and fortify us in our distress. He will make weak things become strong.3

One of our daughters, after giving birth to a baby, became seriously ill. We prayed for her, administered to her, and supported her as best we could. We hoped she would receive a blessing of healing, but days turned into months, and months turned into years. At one point I told her that this affliction might be something she would have to struggle with the rest of her life.
One morning I remember pulling out a small card and threading it through my typewriter. Among the words that I typed for her were these: “The simple secret is this: put your trust in the Lord, do your best, then leave the rest to Him.”

She did put her trust in God. But her affliction did not disappear. For years she suffered, but in due course, the Lord blessed her, and eventually she returned to health.

Knowing this daughter, I believe that even if she had never found relief, yet she would have trusted in her Heavenly Father and “[left] the rest to Him.”
ConclusionAlthough 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.

Notes
1. D&C 121:7–8.
2. John 3:16.
3. See Ether 12:27.
© Ensign, Nov 2008, 26–28

HAPPY PHARMACY WEEK!!

It's Pharmacy Week this week! Go hug a pharmacist! (...or maybe just tell them they're awesome.)

A joke from our pharmacy director:

A patient says to their pharmacist: "Why does my prescription medication have 40 side effects?"
Pharmacist replies: "Because that's all we've documented so far."


Gahahaha.....ok, maybe it's not that funny, but it's true!

:D

God Invented This

This is an awesome video about Dolphins.

http://wimp.com/dolphinbubbles/

Enjoy.

Zombies.

Beware the nuts.

Drunken Punkin

Don't leave your little punkins alone with alcohol!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Stay Off the Course.... OR ELSE!!

Haha. :)

Voice of the Spirit

Halloween is going to have a FULL MOON!

Tee Hee. :)

Grand Marshall of the Parade!

Nicholas driving his tractor!

Zoey (my cat from forever ago that now inhabits my dad's backyard) made her way to school with Nicholas and got blessed by Monsignor Mannion. I am pretty sure she is at least 14 yrs old now and she is still going strong....She might live forever now!

Ugly Cat.

Beep. Beep. We got a Jeep!

'82 CJ8 Scrambler.

We be jeepin'.

Competition Videos!

Here are our competition videos!
Let me know if you are interested in learning snare (seriously)! We obviously need some more! Haha. We had a few players that weren't able to play so we were a bit tiny.

Nicholas in Boston!

Nicholas is learning about Black Jellyfish!

Pacific Northwest Pipe Band Competition

The Pacific Northwest Pipe Band Competition was a blast!
The weather in Enumclaw, WA was awesome. In the morning there was a low mist that covered the hills and kept it cool until afternoon. Perfect for drumming....not so much for bagpipes though.
We took 3rd place both days. The first day we actually tied for 2nd but got defaulted to 3rd based on our ensemble score. Anyway, it was rockin' and here are some pictures from it! Good Times! Enjoy.

What else would you do at 4 am except pretend you are gnomes?

(Kim, Megan and Kristen)

We went to a japanes restaurant the first night. It was rather tasty!

Best use for chopsticks is for drumming.

I made everyone eat their whole meal with only chopsticks. I confiscated forks.

This huge boat was filled with Sushi. It was devoured by these 3 people....and Max.

Max ate all the garnish from the Sushi Boat

Tha infamous "Try Me" toilet found at your local asian mall. We had to initiate Vivian for her first trip to Enumclaw.

Classic Jill.

Vrrrroooooom!

We had the traditional nail painting party on Friday but this time did my toes all sparkley! I look like I have old granny legs. :)

Getting ready in the morning is a blast when you are singing along to the musical Wicked.

The games were awesome as usual. Always lots of amazing bands to watch.

This is pretty much the scene. My band drooling over their food while watching Simon Fraser University (the world champions)....or are they drooling over SFU? :D

We went to Duke's Chowder House for dinner on Saturday. Highly Recommended (a little pricey though.)

Jill and I playing finger chess while waitng for our food. Mmmmm......soooo tasty!

Kylene, Vivian and Jill

Seafood? Gahaa. That never stops being funny.

Jill and her shrimp lips.

Later, back at the hotel....

This is my gaurdian angel...no wondered I am still scared of the dark.

The fun is over. :( Time to go back home.

After a 14 hour car drive it's nice to just lay on the grass.....while we wait for our stuff stashed in a trailer that broke down. :D

Me and crazy Jill

Just another day....

And I'm off this weekend to the Pacific Northwest Highland Games in Enumclaw Washington for another awesome competition. Wahoo!

Barenaked Ladies are a BAND

I am sorry but I have been extremely surprised by how many people don't know who Barenaked Ladies (or BNL) is! What the heck?! If you are one of those people, please let me know! And tell me how you got through school without hearing "One Week" or "If I had $1,000,000"?!! (Also for you people, BNL happens to be playing right now) Anyway, there was a concert at Red Butte Tuesday and it was incredible. There are no words to describe how genius they are. Sorry. So, thanks to MJ, we got front row! We had a blast! Here is the adventure!

Brandi, me and BJ

Just to give you some perspective of where front row is! It was totally cool!
Angel Taylor was one of the intro bands. Her voice is amazingly clear and awesome!

Nicholas and his friend showing off their stuffies.

My dad and Nicholas.

Nicholas just had to have a flowy tiara! :D

Kris Allen was the 2nd warm up band. Apparently he won American Idol. There was a group of girls (one of them 30+ yrs old) sitting right next to us that follow Kris Allen to all his concerts. So what did they ask us? "Who are Barenaked Ladies? Is it a classical group because I see lots of wine and cheese." :D Made my day. Oh yeah and they left half way through BNL. Haha.

They were actually pretty good. I was surprised. He sings that song "Live like you were dying".

Ed was pointing at a dude at the very top of the hill (above Red Butte) and to the "eaves-droppers and free-loaders" as they called them. :D (Shown below)

The eaves-droppers.

Ed eating a plant. You had to be there. :D

(It's a good thing it wasn't a philodendron.)

Me and Brandilicious.

The chick who thought it would be a good idea to start dancing in front of me like a drunkard.

Barenaked Ladies rockin' it.

It was an absolutely awesome show. Highly recommended. :D