Our First Christmas

Every couple has a story, but this one is ours. Greg and I were married on November 1, 1986 just shortly after Christmas. We were both in school, working, and very poor. We lived in an apartment in North Las Vegas nicknamed "Mormon Manor." I have no recollection of what I bought him that first Christmas together. However, what he bought me sits in our bedroom reminding me that he spent every dime he made buying it for me - a cedar hope chest.

I had never had a hope chest before. In it I stored baby clothes I bought while pregnant, carvings of Eagles I bought to give to my sons, my grandmothers things after she died, and a variety of things that are only special to me. It's not in the best of shape, having traveled 7 moves with us into our current home. I suppose one day, Greg may have to refurnish it. As for me, I love the scratches and imperfections on the wood, all earned and all reflective of our imperfect yet unbreakable life together.

Working Mom vs. At Home Moms

I don't know why but most of my adult life, I have witnessed this subtle war between moms who stay at home and moms who work. I, myself, never understood why women would choose to criticize each other for their choices. Aren't we busy enough with what we have to do? How did women find time to know what other women were doing, and then find more time to have an opinion and be critical of them.

I know this:
1. Motherhood is tough for both working moms and at home moms.
2. Life is tough-why aren't we supporting each other?

As an at home mom, I never once had a negative opinion of another mother because she choose to work. I was often irritated by those who would express disapproval of working mothers just as I was irritated by working mothers who looked down upon mothers who stayed home. I usually wished people would just leave other people's choices alone.

I will never understand why one woman would belittle another woman's choice. I know that I've been on both sides. It was hurtful when my friends who worked would criticize me for giving it all up and staying home. When I returned to work, my at home friends criticize me for selling out and going back to work. No winning.

So for you who find yourself looking negatively at another-get busy improving your life! And the golden rule still applies-if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.

Our story

I saw Greg for the first time in Wood Shop class as an 8th grade student. I was placed there in error and he was the student aide. I clearly remember turning bright red when he looked at me and feeling confused as to why I reacted like that. The next week, my schedule was changed and I didn't see him again until my junior year in high school. I was at a pizza place with friends and he was there with his friends. He gave me a ride home and asked me all about my friend Bonnie, who he dated the rest of that year. The third time I saw Greg was the day after his mission. I was home from BYU to see the Temple Groundbreaking. Weaving through the parking lot, we crashed into each other. I asked if he remembered me and he did. The fourth time we saw each other was months later at a Valentines Dance when I came home from BYU for the weekend. We danced one dance. A few months after that, I came home for the summer break from school. My first weekend home, Greg called and asked me out. We were engaged 6 weeks later.. and the rest, is history.

Veterans Day

Not only am I so pleased to have a day off in the middle of the week, I also recognized the importance of this holiday.

My dad is a retired Naval Intelligence Officer.
My uncle was in the Air Force.
My cousin was a sniper in the Marine Corp.
My mother and aunt worked as civilians on base in Saigon, Viet Nam.

I come from a military family. I was taught to respect the flag and those who served in wars. I have taught these same principles to my kids. I was raised to love the United States for the safety and freedom it provided us when we left Viet Nam. I follow the laws of the land and really hate those who don't. There is no better place in all the world.

High School Reunions

I've come to the conclusion after organizing my 3rd high school reunion (the 10th, 20th, 25th), that you are either a reunion goer or a non goer.

Greg is a non-goer. He wouldn't go to his reunion if he was paid to. He has no interest, he could careless.

I am a reunion go-er. I used to think that I went because I was the organizer. Now, I just plain realize that I really like going to my reunions. The 3 most popular comments that I've heard about high school reunions throughout the years have included:

1. Going to a reunion is like going back to high school.
Response: You can't go back to high school, but you can spend one evening with some old friends and reconnect.

2. Only the popular kids go to reunions.
Response: Maybe so.. but not for my class. One cheerleader was there. That's it. No homecoming king or queen, no prom king or queen, no cheer squad, no dance troop, etc. Those who attended were just small groups of friends who were there to see other small groups of friends.

3. I am self conscious about how I look now.
Response: Get over it! After the 10th reunion, we are all old. By the 25th and from this point on.. we celebrate still being alive.

I am a reunion planner and goer, and proud of it. I graduated with a great group of people who have done wonderful things with their lives. I look forward as the years go by to seeing them again. Next stop, the 30th..

Ward Talent Show 2009

This is a tradition in the Silverstone Ward - Tule Springs Stake.

Conference Sunday

Conference for me is just not Sunday, but the sessions on Saturday as well. We consider it Conference Weekend and plan for nothing else to interfere. It's become a mental, physical, and spiritual retreat for me every 6 months to spend the weekend at home and watch conference. This year has been no different and I am grateful for this established tradition in our home.