Lucky Us!!

Lucky, lucky us!! We have two excellent chances to crack our heads open today.

Choice #1: Ripstick (A Christmas gift, no less!)

Choice #2: ICE outside. ALL walking/driving surfaces are covered.

This is our driveway.

This is our cul-de-sac.

All is calm, All is bright...

It's been a lovely Christmas, indeed.

Everyone opened their gifts with glee....

We rested up, and then played a rousing game of

MONOPOLY: HERE & NOW.

It is NOT the Monopoly game of old.

Everyone has a Debit card and all banking is done electronically.

You START out with a cool 15 MILLION Monopoly dollars,

which you need, because property prices have risen around the world....

Luckily, every time you pass go, you get a quick $2 million.


Yes, a fun time was had by all....

And no one got in any fights--

at least anything memorable...

So, I say it was a lovely Christmas indeed.

In closing let me share one of my favorite gifts...

It takes a VERY special gift INDEED to become a necklace for the tree-topper angel!

We hope all of you had a wonderful day.

Here's my parting thought for the day....

The Rest of the Story

You have probably seen this picture, shot during the Depression by Dorothea Lange.


Here's the Rest of the Story.....

Embedded video from CNN Video

Oh, the weather outside is FRIGHTFUL, but we're all together again!

The weather is definitely FRIGHTFULLY COLD!!

-35 wind chill yesterday and today.

Tomorrow we are suppose to get 8" - 10" of snow.

However, we are all together again!

Matthew has been in Taiwan and China for the last 10 days. He returned Saturday night, as did Elizabeth from BYU. It's GREAT to have everyone home together.

Matthew really enjoyed his time in Taiwan. This was his first trip back since we moved from there in 1994. He was able to go to the central part of Taiwan where he served his mission and visit a family he taught on his mission. I think it was one of his happiest weekends ever!

Dec. 14, 2008 -- Matthew with the Ma Family

Twenty four years ago, Matthew was serving his mission in Taiwan. He had the honor of teaching the Ma family with the Branch President, President Chao. It was a highlight of his mission. The Ma's were baptized and have been serving faithfully in the Church ever since. (Brother Ma served as a Bishop for 7 years. When Matthew served there as a missionary, there were only a district full of members. Now there are three stakes.) They were able to adopt a daughter who is was married in the Temple and now she and her husband are raising their two daughters, the Ma's granddaughters, with the Gospel.

Last Tuesday, Matthew was in China in a meeting with a Chinese gentleman whom he had worked with before. This man knew that Matthew was Mormon---they had had the discussion of how Matthew knows Chinese etc. before. During the meeting on Tuesday, this gentleman changed the subject abuptly and said, "I'm going to call one of your Mormon friends so you can talk to him."

Matthew did kind of make the assumption that this Mormon friend he was going to call was probably from Taiwan---still, there are over 12 million Mormons and over 21 million Taiwanese. Now, what are the chances that this gentleman from mainland China knew another Mormon, much less someone that Matthew knows???? Well, it turns out, 100%.

When this gentleman started talking about his Mormon friend that he would call so Matthew could talk to him, Matthew's mind immediately went back to being with the Ma family on Sunday. The Mas had mentioned that they had been with President Chao the day before (Saturday) in the Temple in Taipei. The Mas had told Matthew that President Chao was now living in Wuhan, China. The thought came to him that that was whom the gentleman was going to call.

Before he made the call, Matthew asked if the person he was calling was living in Wuhan, China. "Yes."

Next question: "Is his last name Chao?" Again, "Yes." Matthew then told him that when he had served his mission in Taiwan, President Chao was a leader in a congregation in which he served.

The gentleman made his call and told the person on the other end of the line that he had someone for him to talk to. Matthew had thought many times of the Ma's since his mission, but hadn't really thought about President Chao. It was a fun reunion for him on the phone.

Some might call this a coincidence. We would say it is another amazing connection made by the Lord between two people you would never know had a connection---much less a connection made over two decades ago.

Perhaps there is a reason this Chinese gentleman, who knows Matthew and connected him with another Mormon friend, is finding Mormon friends in his life's pathway.

Coincidence? No.

Miracles and blessings? Absolutely!

Ho! Ho! UH--OOOOO.....

Do you have neighbors with yards that look a little over done?

Do you fear maybe your yard just doesn't have it going on?

If so, quickly go over to this website: http://tackychristmasyards.com/

They can help you discern if you have accidentally (or purposefully)

violated any of the following:

• Unharmonious Arrangement Violation
  Yard decorations should be placed in aesthetically pleasing arrangements. Please refer to other rules for tips. Lining up the figures in rows or alphabetically is still not pleasing, organized yes, pleasing, no.
• Griswold Family Violation
  If your neighbors have nicknamed you the Griswold family and you are aware of this (you have rude neighbors, your nickname should never be divulged), you probably shouldn’t tell people.
• Monochromatic Violation
  If your decorating theme involves the over-use of one color, you are in violation.
• W.T.H. (What the Heck!?) Violation
  Random, non-holiday decor has no place in December. Just because you were given a cool giant light up smiley face does not mean you should put it on the roof this month!
• King Kong Complex Violation
  If a giant polar bear is standing anywhere near a mid-sized Santa or the Abominable Snowman is lurking over the manger, do something, quick!
• Seizur-ific Violation
  Sometimes using foil is just a little too much when combined with all of those bright lights. Also, too much blinking or out of sync movement can put you in jeopardy of losing your Christmas light license.
• Frequent Lighter Card If you have the electric company or an electrician on speed dial, you need a new hobby.
• P.O.W. (Prisoners of a Wall) Violation
  Trapping your Christmas village behind a fence is way too constricting for the purpose that these figures must serve during this time of year. Free the inflatables!
• More is Not Less Violation
  Just another reminder that Christmas is a season of minimalism. Too much of anything is not a good thing. Remember that other cliché; less is more? It really is. Less of an energy bill is more money in your pocket to give to others or to buy something nice to not put on your lawn.
• Fallen Figurines/Drive-by Shooting Victims Violation
  These poor souls should not be illuminated. If you aren’t going to go outside to set them all back up, don’t plug them in. No one wants to see Mary and Joseph laying down as if involved in a deadly drive-by shooting.
• Multiple Clauses Violation
  There is one Santa Claus and only one. I repeat- you may not have more than ONE Santa in your yard at anytime. (The exception is this; if you have a Santa from another culture or a Santa of another ethnicity, THEN you may have another Santa among the deciduous forest that is your yard. This does not mean you may have an inflatable Santa AND a plastic, light-up Santa. Inflatable is not an ethnicity). The same rules apply for Mrs. Claus. Santa is not an adulterer. We must show Santa as an upstanding and moral citizen, despite the 3rd world wages he pays the elves. While we are on the subject. This is one group of people that even we don’t mess with. Everyone knows that Santa hardly does any work at the North Pole. His input on who’s naughty or nice is non-existent. He’s too busy making mall appearances and such. The elves are the ones that MapQuest directions for Santa, they check the list, they pack the presents, THEY are in charge. Go buck wild with the elves…if you must.
• Intermingling Violation This is strictly prohibited. There should not be a North Pole sign lit up outside of the manger scene. A giant inflatable Santa should not be peering into the manger. Jesus was born in a manger, a place of nothingness, a symbol of scarcity and minimalism. Santa and friends next to the manger is mockery of the Lord! They are taunting the KING!
• Snowman In-Laws Violation
  I hate to say it but we MUST have limitations on how many snowmen may appear on the lawn of the average single family dweling. The average family size in the United States is 3.14 with the average household size being 2.59 (US Census Bureau). That being said, we will be generous and say that there cannot be a family of snowmen that exceeds 4 on your lawn. Four is plenty. Again, real snowmen, inflatable snowmen, plastic snowmen, etc are not classified differently, they are still snowmen.
  

Perhaps you know someone who really needs to be reported...

Join us for a Happy Dance----Christmas Vacation has arrived!!!

Madly, Truly, Always, Forever --- times 20

Twenty years ago today, we were here...

Salt Lake Temple

We were surrounded by family and friends, were truly in love, and excited about our future.

We got married.

It was a wonderful day. I knew then that I would have a wonderful future with Matthew---and I was right. I just had NO idea the adventures that would be in store.

To quote my Christmas letter:

"As we reflect on the last 20 years, we are most aware of all the Lord has seen fit to bless us. We have had some wonderful adventures around the world and been blessed with wonderful extended family and friends who have made our journey enjoyable and worthwhile."

I am so grateful for all the blessings Matthew has brought into my life. He has been a wonderful husband, father and provider. He "gets" me and laughs with me. He is a tremendous support and help in all I try to do. We've had the normal ups and downs life throws at everyone---but it certainly is easier getting through the down times with someone by your side.

If everyone was loved by someone like I am loved by Matthew, the world would be a better place. One thing I know for sure----I'm glad I chose whom I chose!

I look forward to our next 20 years.....I wonder what our adventures will be.....

So...here we are --- 2008

It is the only recent picture I have of us together---taken, of course, for my photog class.

It captures the "everyday!"

I'm sure our kids are excited and happy about our day too.....

Just another day in paradise!!

Thanksgiving Review

Squanto

We had a great Thanksgiving---but I neglected to post about it so now I will post a Thanksgiving Review.

Gayle, Matthew's mom, was here and Elizabeth was able to come for a short visit also. So very fun!! For dinner, we were able to have the missionaries join us along with three students Matthew works with in Champaign at the Univ. of Illinois (Mark, Aurora and Yifan). They are from mainland China and are getting their M.B.A.s. They each speak GREAT English---and have great comprehension as well. I'm always impressed when someone who speaks English as a second language knows English and it's nuances well enough to punctuate the conversation with humor.

I was a little apprehensive about only serving American food. I have found that most Chinese people from Taiwan or mainland China REALLY prefer Chinese food over American food, but I wanted them to experience a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner. So I only fixed American food and then I told them they did NOT have eat anything they didn't want to---it wouldn't hurt my feelings if they didn't like it.

I was really surprised that they ate it all---and had seconds. They even ate the Pumpkin Pie and Chocolate Mousse Pie.

After dinner I had each of the kids tell about some aspect of Thanksgiving (they had to research it) such as the precipitating factors of the Pilgrims leaving England, how they survived their first year in America, their relationship with the Indians and what they probably ate their first Thanksgiving. I thought Aurora, Mark and Yifan would enjoy hearing about why we celebrate Thanksgiving and why we eat the foods we eat on that day.

I thought what the kids found out was really interesting. Taylor even found a website that lists some of the Pilgrim's provision lists, inventories and posessions, and wills. (http://www.pilgrimhall.org/ is a GREAT website.)

Have you ever wondered how the Pilgrims communicated with the Indians? That's what I was curious about.

We found out that Squanto, who was instumental in helping the Pilgrims survive their first few years, knew English because he had lived in England previously. Early in his life he was captured and sold as a slave in Spain but eventually escaped and went to England. When he returned to New England in 1619 as pilot for an English sea captain, he escaped and discovered that his people had been destroyed by a plague. Two years later he helped the starving Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony to survive by teaching them both fishing and the planting of corn.

One of the pilgrims later wrote that they believed Squanto had been sent to help them through Divine Providence. I absolutely believe that. Now that I know more of Squanto's history, it speaks volumes to me of the perfect timing of Heavenly Father's hand in people's lives throughout history and how He brings us together to help one another.

I can't imagine how difficult Squanto's life was when he was captured and sold as a slave. However, those same, extremely difficult experiences were essential and instrumental for him so that he could learn English to later help the Pilgims---and all of us that now have the blessings of living here. Squanto has helped millions of people and I want to personally say Thank you, Squanto for enduring what you endured and for taking the time and effort to learn English.

Here's to Squanto!!

Here's also to trying to live each day as Heavenly Father would have me live it---regardless of how I view the situations I find myself in---I need to remember that I only see a fraction of the big picture. I need to learn all I can from the experiences Heavenly Father gives me and then I need to be open and willing to help those around me.

After the kids' reports, we were able to learn from Mark, Yifan, and Aurora. They each brought some pictures of their families, told us about where they live and some of the traditional Chinese holidays. They explained what they eat and do during these festivities. It was very interesting. We were especially surprised to hear that Aurora has three siblings. I don't know if I've ever met someone from mainland China that has ONE sibling, much less three!

After dinner we played the game "Apples to Apples." We played in teams---Kristen was paired with Aurora, Michael with Yifan, and Taylor with Mark. I was very impressed that they were able to figure out the game so well. They seemed to have a lot of fun playing the game and it was really fun playing with them. We had such a nice time with them. I would love to get together with them again.

Here are some pictures I took of the day.

Getting ready...

Dinner ...

We always like to finish our day off with a little family wrestling.....

and some relaxing!

Well said, Anderson.

Last night on Anderson Cooper 360, the cutie-patooty had this to say:

"The notion that Governor Blagojevich thought he might get an ambassadorship or a cabinet appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services.....is he smoking glue or something?"

A few more questions....

Well, inspite of the Governor's woes, he found the strength to go into the office this morning.



My question now is, WHAT exactly did he plan on doing today? Have casual conversations around the water cooler? Catch up on phone calls? The FBI hauled out all the computers and filing cabinets yesterday.

Today IS his birthday. Maybe he thought with the "surprise" yesterday morning, he'd get another surprise today---a surprise birthday party from his staff!! There's nothing like two unexpected surprises in a row!!!

Mayor Richard M. Daley

Chicago's esteemed mayor, Mayor Richard M. Daley, was asked yesterday if he had any comment about the arrest of Gov. Blagojevich.

In true Chicago form, he had a puzzled look and said he had no comment because he was unaware of what happened.

He continued, "I've been doing important things in Washington, D.C.--working on economic stimulus today. I don't have time to read the papers. I'm busy doing important things!"


My question for him......."HUHHHHH?"



And then we have the Reverend Jessuheeee Jackson AND Jesse Jackson, Jr.

When asked if they had any comments, they both replied, "No comment."



When in their lifetimes have either of them never had a comment about something????? Hmmmmm. Smells fishy.....

Here's my questions for the Governor...

Governor Rod Blagojevich

As you have probably heard, our Governor, Rod Blagojevich, was gently awoken yesterday morning by the FBI and arrested. There is a 76-page indictment against him, which only covers things he allegedly has done in the last 8 weeks.....

Here's my question for him:

WHY were you still sleeping, soundly no less, at 6:15 A.M. on a weekday?????

Most working people I know save sleeping in after 6 A.M. for weekends and holidays.

Oh, well. I'm sure he'll get used to arising with the other felons at Club Fed by 6 A.M. for the rest of his life.

Maybe he should check with our former governor, George Ryan. He probably knows the schedule pretty well after being there for a year now.

Maybe they can be cellmates. Oh, wait----he has lots of friends there to choose from for roommates....Happy thought for the day!!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my DAD.

I hope you have a wonderful day.

You have been a most wonderful Dad!

August 16, 1961

Circa 1966

Circa 1969

Summer, 2001

February 4, 2006

October, 2008

October, 2008

Two years ago, for my Dad's birthday, we put together a scrapbook. This was one of the pages we included:


TOP 10 REASONS WE’RE GLAD YOU’RE OUR DAD

10. You were always willing to spot Kristina a $5.00 bill in high school.

9. Swedish pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream were our Saturday standard.

8. You taught us the fine art of holding a car together with Bondo.

7. You taught us to multi-task from a young age. We got to read the newspaper as we unwrapped any gifts we got from you.

6. You taught us that a sweater is the ultimate solution to a freezing house.

5. When doing fun projects, the mess it created was not a consideration.

4. You always made our home, inside and out, a visual delight.

3. You were willing to do gross jobs (like those lovely apartments) so we could have the things we needed. (You also didn’t yell at us when Linde and I pulled out the flowers outside the apartment building thinking they were the weeds!)

2. You were willing to run around OUTSIDE in your SWIMSUIT, as a full-grown adult, so we could have awesome water fights.

1. You taught each of us in Seminary even if it took you twelve years of continual Seminary teaching!! (And you got us donuts on Fridays and taught each of us to drive on the way there.)

It's decided!! I KNOW just what I want for my birthday....

My birthday is coming up in a few weeks and it just hit me what I would REALLY love, and more importantly, what I REALLY NEED......


I want a WIFE for my birthday!!!

Yes, that's right---a wife. It hit me today as I walked in the house after my photography class.

I was happy after letting my creative juices flow for a few hours in the class. When I arrived home, dinner was already cooked. The clothes I had washed this morning were already dry and folded. The house was clean. It was DIVINE.

You see, my mother-in-law, Gayle has been here this week. She is the mother-in-law everyone wishes THEY had. When she comes to visit, she helps out so much, I feel like I am queen for a day---and I have someone to keep me company too!

The thing is, I always hope that when she comes to visit, that it is a vacation for HER. But, she always manages to make it vacation-like for me.

I realized having her here is kind of like what it would be like if I had a wife---everything gets done magically and effortlessly. I have an extra set of hands ready and willing to help at all times with ANYTHING. She cooks, does laundry, runs errands, picks up the kids and does it all with a smile on her face. She looks like she is having fun doing all of this. And, she loves my husband and kids!!

SO, after comtemplating the wonderful reality of this, I realized I want and NEED a wife.

Thank you Gayle, for all your help!!

A blast from the past.....

Anyone remember these guys? Well, they are coming to Chicago.....

P.S. Everyone sing along now..."I think I love you. So what am I so afraid of?????"