Friday, December 22, 2006

A New Kind of Timeout...

This makes me like this song now....

I have never really liked the song, The Twelve Days of Christmas however, after getting this from my dad and realizing that there is symbolism, I kind of like it now. Here's a little Christmas fact for the day :)

Enjoy! and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

http://www.crivoice.org/cy12days.html

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Living Nativity

Our stake put on a living nativity. I almost didn't go because I thought it was going to be like the one that used to be at the end of our street: people sitting under a manger still for like 5 hours. However, Utah knows how to do it right. It was very cold and snowing/raining and there was still a lot of people there. There was backdrops set up, live donkeys, sheep and lambs etc. Costumes were awesome, speaker system set up etc. They had it all decked out. I wish I would have taken pictures but I didn't. It was a great experience and it really got me in the Christmas Spirit. If you ever hear of a living nativity, go check it out.

Every Little Bit Counts

One of the things that bothers me (of many) about myself is that I don't speak up about the Gospel enough. This morning I read a genealogy blog post that had a lot of questions about baptisms for the dead etc. I thought about it and then I posted a comment thinking that no one would even care or read it.

Not even 5 minutes later I had two direct emails one thanking me for my clear and easy to understand response and also thanking me for not bickering about theology. And I received another email with more questions. I am not sure exactly what she is trying to ask now but I will find out for her very soon.

Anyway, it was a good feeling and it literally took 30 seconds to do. I just wanted to blog about even the smallest things count and can make a big difference. It may not be a big difference for those people but it has given me more faith and strengthened my testimony of just opening your mouth (or keyboard) and doing something about it. :)

Here is my response if you want to read it. Dusty liked my analogy and it may help you when you talk to your children or friends. My only reason in posting this was to help give another in sight of how to talk to people about baptism for the dead.
______________

Jennifer, you are correct. I am a Mormon and by doing baptisms for the dead you are giving that person the opportunity to accept the work that was done for them or they can reject it. We believe that you have your agency before during and after this life. There are many people who never had the chance to hear the Gospel while on this earth, so we are extending that opportunity to them. And yes, "Rest in Peace" (<>

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

How the "Left" Stole Christmas

How the "Left"Stole Christmas

T'was the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.

Why the Politically Correct Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.

It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a "Holiday".
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!

CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda

As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.

Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!

At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.

The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.

Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday

Monday, December 04, 2006

10 Easy Things You Can Do To Make Your Day More Productive

1) Wake up early. Set your alarm clock for 15 minutes earlier than you normally do to get an early start on your day. Get up when the alarm sounds.

2) Time your showers. Most people take way more time in the shower than is needed. Set your timer for 7 minutes. When the timer sounds, your shower is done.

3) Plan your outfits the night before. Put whatever you're going to wear to one side of your closet, or folded neatly on a chair. When you are done with your shower each day, your outfit will be waiting for you.

4) Never run just one errand. Try to always combine at least two to three errands in one trip. Start with the errand furthest away, and then work your way back.

5) Make and use lists. Don't try to remember everything you have to do. Always jot down tasks, errands, things to pick up, etc. Don't use sticky notes. Use a tool, such as the Get Organized Now! Easy Organizer:
http://www.getorganizednow.com/ezorganizer.html

6) Cook enough for two meals. No matter what you're cooking--breakfast, lunch or dinner--always cook enough for two meals. When everything is prepared and done, divide it in half. Immediately refrigerate or freeze the one half, and enjoy the other half now.

7) Clean and organize as you go. Rather than giving yourself huge cleaning jobs each day, as you make a mess, quickly clean it up. Dirty dishes can be rinsed immediately and placed in the dishwasher. Wipe off the bathroom countertop and spray the shower with shower spray as soon as you're done with them. Make your bed as soon as you get up. Vacuum any crumbs under the dining table the second everyone is done eating. File papers away as needed, rather than allowing them to pile up in a To Be Filed tray.

8) Enlist help. Whoever is living in your house, whether that person be a spouse, a child, a friend or a relative-- that person should be able to help you get things done in one way or another. A spouse can help out with the kids bath times every other night. A child can help fold clothes, help dust and/or help put toys away. Someone who is not able to help physically, may still be able to sit at a desk and help you sort the mail or shred some documents. It should definitely be a team effort and not a one-man or one-woman show.

9) Consolidate your phone calls. Rather than making and taking calls throughout the day, allow your answering machine to field your calls. Then, make or return calls during one consistently scheduled phone hour each day, such as between 1:00P and 2:00P. Before your phone hour, toss in a load of laundry. After your phone hour, toss those clothes in the dryer. Multi-tasking is one of the keys to being super-productive.

10) Reward yourself. There is nothing more draining than going through an entire day without doing anything fun. Sandwich small rewards between each task. For instance, when you're done with the ironing, read your favorite novel for 15 minutes. When you're done cleaning the bathroom, sit in front of the fireplace while you relax and sip a cup of tea for 15 minutes.

taken from:
Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

Friday, December 01, 2006

Suboc.com LLC

I just wanted everyone to know that Dusty has formed an LLC with his snake business this week. Congrats to him with many more to come :)

Also as a side note: He got bit on the lip from one of the snakes. I'll let Dusty defend himself on this one....

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Why some parents get gray hair faster then others.

A father passing by his son's bedroom was astonished to see the bed
nicely made up and everything neat and tidy.Then he saw an envelope propped up prominently on the pillow. It wasaddressed, "Dad". With the worst premonition, he opened the envelope and read the letter with trembling hands:Dear Dad:It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you. I had to elopewith my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with you and Mom.I've been finding real passion with Joan and she is so nice. I knew you would not approve of her because of all her piercing, tattoos, her tight motorcycle clothes and because she is so much older than I am but it's not only the passion, Dad, she's pregnant.Joan says that we are going to be very happy. She owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood, enough for the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children. Joan has opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn't really hurt anyone. We'll be growing it and trading it with the other people in the commune for all the cocaine and ecstasy we want.In the meantime, we'll pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so Joan can get better; she sure deserves it! Don't worry Dad,I'm 15 years old now and I know how to take care of myself. Someday, I'm sure we'll be back to visit so you can get to know your grandchildren. Your son, Chad

P. S. Dad, none of the above is true. I'm over at Tommy's house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than the report card that's in my desk drawer. I love you! Call when it is safe for me to come home.

Food for Thought from Simple Truths

"At 211 degrees, water is hot. At 212 degrees, it boils. And with boiling water comes steam. And steam can power a locomotive." Often the difference between success and "almost" is very small. The extra degree can make all of the difference. Think of how this could apply in your job, in your marriage, in fitness and health, in education, in your relationship with your children, or in anything else that you do in life. Resolve to apply the extra degree in something today. You might choose to perform an extra act of kindness, or to do a little extra in your job, or to spend another 10 minutes with your kids. You are already doing well - apply the extra degree and transform the hot water into productive steam.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Looking for a high paying summer job?
Make more than $20k without prior experience!


Call now and reserve your spot before December 31st 2006!


Join the ranks of the men and women of the 2006 #1 selling office who have flourished in the proven market of Sandy / Salt Lake City area in pest control sales. No experience is necessary. Thorough on the job training will be given the first week and throughout summer.

With sales ranging from 49-600, bonus payouts can range from $4,920 to $128,400 in just 4 months! Not only do we pay the most per sale, but our service contracts are approximately $50-100 less than our competitors, which make them much easier to sell! Most hard-working sales reps make enough in one summer to live off of for the entire school year.

Join the fun atmosphere where daily cash incentives and prizes are given, get $1,000 just for showing up to work, weekly dinners on the company, a cruise for those who sell 200 accounts or more and a bonus schedule that is unmatched by any company in the door-to-door industry.

Read of other’s success stories at http://preventivepestcontrol.com/company/salespeople.html
and learn more of our unprecedented company at www.PreventivePestControl.com.

Call Dusty Rhoads, Sales Trainer, at 801-404-9579 or email him at subocs@gmail.com now to learn more and reserve your spot on our summer 2007 team.

Monday, November 13, 2006

Thank You!

....to Angela and Reed and their adorable children for coming to see me in Provo!

THANK YOU. I LOVED SEEING YOU GUYS and I had a blast!! It's my turn :)

Dusty gettin' props on the other side of the world!

Well, we definitely got some experience this year with this snake breeding thing. We lost 4 baby snakes (they died) and we ended up with 7 males and 3 females. BOOO! The females sell for a lot more than the males. But I think we will still come out OK.

Dusty found this on a site in the UK. Pretty neat. Again, props to Dusty!!

http://reptilefanclub.co.uk/corn/index.php?showtopic=6945&hl=Trans%20Peco

(this is what it says...)

Dusty Rhodes has just recently launched his Suboc website and has some stunning animals ... although the sites not finished yet check out the paint job link ... some real yummies ... site promises to be THE Site for trans Pecos fans ... the bloke certainly knows his stuff !

... http://www.suboc.com

Also his blogg at http://subocs.blogspot.com/ has some great features

COMMENTS:

- That's gone in the favourites! Nice one.

- What a great site, didn't honestly realise there were that many morphs of Trans Pecos.

- oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

More Marriage Tips :)

What can I say? I am all about helping couples today...This is from a company that is a member of the Provo Labs Academy. Stuff worth sharing, so here ya go....

http://healthymarriagetips.com/respect.htm

http://healthymarriagetips.com/persistence.htm

Coupons4Dates.com

This is only for Utah County (I think) but here is a link for some FREE date ideas. I know that my brothers, husband and DAD may need some help on date ideas. Since you are all cheapos I hope some of these ideas will help you out :)

http://utahcounty.coupons4dates.com/

Sunday, November 12, 2006

5 Simple Steps to Organize Each Day

I read this lady's blog a lot and wanted to share these tips...

5 Simple Steps to Organize Each Day

by Maria Gracia

Start off each day in an organized way, and you'll get more done than you can imagine. Here are 5 simple steps.

1. MAKE A TO DO LIST. Make a list of the things you have to do tomorrow, the evening before. Prioritize and organize each item in the sequence that it should be accomplished. Consolidate similar tasks together. When you wake up in the morning, you'll have a clear-cut guide detailing everything that must be done.

2. BE CAREFUL OF GETTING DIVERTED. Very often, a schedule gets thrown off track due to distraction. If you find that you constantly get off track, get a watch with a timer and set it so it goes off every 30 minutes. Every time it sounds, be sure you're working on what you originally said you would. If you're not, stop what you're doing and get back on schedule. Most distractions are not emergency situations.

3. CALL BEFORE YOU LEAVE. If you have an appointment during the day, always call to confirm before you leave your home or office. This will ensure that the person you're meeting did not forget about the appointment. Also, if there is going to be a long waiting time, perhaps you can do something else first, before you leave.

4. CHECK OFF ITEMS AS YOU COMPLETE THEM. Every time you finish something, cross it off your To Do List. This will give you a sense of accomplishment throughout the day.

5. DO A FINAL CHECK. At the end of the day, take a look at your list. How many items were you able to accomplish? Are there only 1-2 things left undone, or many? If there were just a few undone, simply move them to tomorrow's To Do List. If there were many undone, and you worked diligently on everything all day, then you probably had too many things on your list to begin with. Re-think how much you can possibly do in a given day. Remember, you only have 24 hours, and you should be using a third of those hours to sleep!

by Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now!
Want to get organized? Get your FREE Get Organized Now! Idea-Pak, filled with tips and ideas to help you organize your home, your office and your life, at the Get Organized Now! Web site
http://www.getorganizednow.com

Friday, November 03, 2006

Freelance here I come...

I have lots of goals for freelance writing. I have written for school newspapers, my intership and work--things that have been published on the Internet, press releases, papers and magazines. But I have wanted for the longest time to get published in a magazine and eventually books. I practice writing a lot and I have a lot more skills to learn but today I got a boost too keep me going and know that something will happen if I stick to it. The New Era from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints bought an article of mine! It is a Christmas story so it probably won't be published until next year, but I am WAY excited! I got a letter in the mail with a contract to sign today. This is a minor/major milestone for me with hopefully many more milestones to come!

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Anything but Halloween...

Today felt like anything but Halloweenie. I finally got to go to the thyroid doctor again and I am starting my meds and now we will start the process of running more tests, upping the dosage etc. but at least I am on it and I can start to function again!!!

Um...hmmm....what else did I do today? Oh yeah, I got to go to BYU and hear the Prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, speak today at the campus devotional!! It was AWESOME. Dusty and I had 6th row seats!! He spoke of personal testimony building experiences. It was great. I have wanted to be present when he spoke for a long time. I got to go to General Conference but didn't get to hear him speak and this was just the icing on the cake! It was such a neat experience to have. I have already recorded it in my journal (which means it must have been really special because I am still a bad journal writer...)

Anyway, I feel so blessed to be here where so many Apostles and the Prophet come and speak to us so often and just have to take a walk from work or a short drive on my lunch break to hear these men of God speak. Just amazing!

Monday, October 30, 2006

Get Up Big J-Dawg!!

Subject: What it is all about

Team,

It is with great pleasure and honor that I announce that Jason Logsdon has been nominated as a “Faculty Favorite” at the University of Louisville. This is incredibly significant recognition, as it is voted by the student body of U of L and is a direct reflection of Jason’s dedication and commitment to them and to their learning. Over 320 faculty members received nomination and Jason was one of the top 13 nominees and will be honored at a dinner hosted by the University Provost. Jason’s hard work goes beyond working with students on their coursework, it extends to developing personal relationships with students and becoming someone they rely on for more than help with their academic endeavors. Our IT Learning Managers are rarely seen, as they work remotely on each campus, but recognition like this is a reminder of the great work they do and their immense impact on students. Congratulations to Jason on this wonderful accomplishment.


Roderick Harding

Director, Adult Learning Center Programs

Deltak edu, Inc.

Saturday, October 28, 2006

A great article for women

Here is the link to a great article from LDS Living: http://www.ldslivingonline.com/story1.php?aid=738

Here is a piece of what I really liked from it, but there is a lot of great stuff in there!

So how do we get that testimony of our marriages? A few things can help.

First, realize that it may take time. How long did it take for you to get a testimony of the Church, even if you were raised in it? Give it time and patience and commitment.

Second, pray for your husband specifically and daily. This will add a level of commitment that you may not have felt before. As you seek our Heavenly Father’s divine blessings to flow upon your husband, you will be inspired to assist in that process and be a blessing to your husband. Your loyalty and devotion to him will increase.

Third, ask your Heavenly Father for this testimony. Again, be patient with the answer. It took me a long time to get there. It had absolutely nothing to do with my husband and everything to do with me. Patiently go through the lessons and experiences the Lord places in your life to get you where you need to be to receive it.

Finally, perform sealings in the temple and listen to the promises and blessings. Also, initiatories invite you to hear your blessings in your own capacity as a wife. These will help you see the eternal importance and value of your eternal relationship. Understanding and love and commitment will distill upon your soul as you do this.

OK, so we may be on to something...

Dusty is doing great this year with his snakes. As many of you know he sold out of his snakes before they even hatched. (Only 3 of 17 have hatched so far.) We did no advertising, he is just keeping his blog, built a Web site and is a part of a Kingsnake.com forum. Anyway. We still have people emailing and calling daily asking if we have any left. Sadly (but gladly) we don't, but it is great to see Dusty's hard work (and mine ;) really see some results (and $!). He is the only person that we know of that produced this type of snake and people are calling looking for the "Trans Pecos Rat Snake Guy" to buy more. We think this will be a really successful year and next year we will have even more to sell and the price of the animals he is selling will raise due to the demand and rarity. Anyway, I see a lot more clearly his vision with this and I am glad he as the opportunity to do it. I really think that one day (maybe even in the next 5 years) he will be the pioneer with this species of snake, get his book published and have a lot more in store! Congrats to Dusty!

If you ever want to go to his Web site, it's at www.Suboc.com and his blog is www.subocs.blogspot.com.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Happy Birthday Melissa!! :)

Keeper Bert van Santen gives a cake of frozen fish to "Melissa the Walrus" in Harderwijk, Netherlands, Oct. 3.

Saturday, October 14, 2006

This is worth a read! (thanks dad)

To commemorate her 69 nth birthday on October 1, actress/vocalist Julie Andrews made a special appearance at Manhattan's Radio City Music Hall for The benefit of the AARP. One of the musical numbers she performed was "My Favorite Things" from the legendary movie "Sound Of Music." However, the Lyrics of the song were deliberately changed for the entertainment of her "blue hair" audience. Here are the lyrics she recited:


"Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favorite things.
Cadillacs and cataracts, hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things.
When the pipes leak,
When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.
Hot tea and crumpets, and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heat pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.
Back pains, confused brains, and no fear of sinnin',
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin',
And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favorite things.
When the joints ache,
When the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I've had,
And then I don't feel so bad."

Ms. Andrews received a standing ovation from the crowd that lasted over four Minutes and repeated encores.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Only in Utah...

Late tonight Dusty and I had a really loud knock at the door and when he asked who was there no one answered. He looked out the window and didn't see anything. Our neighborhood is pretty quiet but we do live in the Hispanic Ghetto. :) Anyway, we were all thinking our house was going to get broken into so we called our neighbors to ask them just to look out for trouble-makers. Our neighbor Trent said, "Well did somebody leave you a treat?" Dusty was like "I don't know I didn't open the door." Sure enough there was a bag a Halloween goodies with a poem at our door.

That just goes to show you the difference between Kentucky, Texas and Utah. In KY and TX that would have meant to hit the ground and in UT it means you get treats!

The Living Christ



One of my friends Rana made this for me righe before I left for Utah. I had seen them done before and I wanted one SO bad. We were going to do it for enrichment the week after I left for Utah so I bought the supplies and Rana made it for me and she did a fabulous job! It is SO pretty. I wanted to post it. My neighbor recently borrowed it and took out the pictures and made a high resolution copy of it and you can't even tell it's not the cards. (It's made up of pass along type cards you can buy at the Church bookstore)

Anyway, I wanted to share it because it is so beautiful.

Monday, October 02, 2006

Salsa!

I don't think I told you but I am taking a salsa dance class on Tuesday nights. I love it! We are going to go to a salsa dance club in a few weeks. I have taken salsa before so I was really excited to start this class. The class is 2 hours long and I get to help teach the girls part. It makes me miss teaching a lot!

Sunday, October 01, 2006

It was WONDERFUL!

Dusty and I had a wonderful time while we were at conference. It was such a neat experience to go to the conference center and be in the presence of the Lord's Prophet and Apostles. The Conference Center is amazing--even the roof is beautiful. There were so many members of the Church there. It was gorgeous outside and I couldn't have asked for a better day. Afterwards Dusty went to the Priesthood session with a friend and I went out to eat with a friend. We just had the best day.

Today we are lounging around after listening to conference again. They don't really show conference here at Church buildings because you can watch it on local TV, radio, Internet etc. Dusty and I figured that out last year when we went to listen to conference at our Church building and it was in Spanish.

We are going to go to a friends house later to play games.

Conference Weekend Rocks!

General Conference September 30, 2006






Wednesday, September 20, 2006

I am so excited!!

Dusty and I get to go to a General Conference session next weekend. For several years I have dreamt of being in the same room as the Prophet, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Lord and many of His other servants.

I will definitely let you know how it goes. I am so grateful for the opportunity!

Saturday, September 16, 2006

Dusty and I in the Daily Herald Newspaper


The article will run tomorrow but they have our picture up today. I'll post the article tomorrow!

Sunday, September 10, 2006

A message from Dusty...


This is just one of the surprises that Dusty had for me when I got home from KY. He had the house SPOTLESS, dinner made and little things for me. I took a close up of my favorite one!

How cute is she?



This is Rob and Julie Roundy's baby. How cute is she?!? This was on my birthday when Dusty and I went over to see them.

And More Mojave Desert pics....









Look at this dinner we cooked over the fire!!!


More Mojave Desert pics...








Mojave Desert Pics







Dusty and I had a really good time and got to see a lot of creepy things :) I was really fun, way hot and I had a lot of new experiences....

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Another Pie...



I made another pie from scratch! Woo hoo! I am on a role. This one was a peach pie (with Utah grown peaches...mmm mmm good!

Robert Redford's Sundance Resort




Dusty, and I, his dad and sister Becky went to Sundance Resort on Monday and did the whole ski lift thing and it was perfect weather. We have a few photos...