Breaking Dawn

I am a Jacob fan. After reading the first 3 books a second time, I barely even liked Bella! I felt the injustice in her actions toward Jacob, very strongly. She became a whiny, lovesick teenie-bopper to me. And Edward was too over the top and possessive. I couldn't be happy where I thought the books were going.

So, I put off reading Book 4, Breaking Dawn, as long as possible (3 days!) I loaned it to someone, then I re-read the first 3 in the series, but I finally opened it last night at 9pm. I thought I'd take it slow, sure it would disappoint me. I read until 2am, then picked it back up at 8am and read until 11am, finishing in 8 hours.

I thought the book was delicious. I am amazed at what Stephenie Meyer was able to do. I find it unusual that I like each book independent of the others. They are all part of the larger tale, but each tell a wonderful story alone.

The events in the book immortalized all the characters in a perfect state, for me. I have no negative feeling for any. Not even Rosalie! Stephenie Meyer completed each character's story (could she start writing for LOST, please?) I had a secret desire for Bella's future and that was realized. I loved that Jacob was made happier than I thought possible. Saying that each character had a happy ending doesn't begin to cover the feeling of closure this book provided. Sometimes I feel a little 'depressed' when a series ends, wishing I it wasn't over, but this ending was perfect. Mrs. Meyer is a genius.

I love that these books are clean . . . a few unnecessary swear words and a few references to married relations (but no pre-marital relations!) I still think this series is best for girls over 18, but you all know what a prude I am about books. I am proud that Stephenie Meyer claims her education from my Alma mater, BYU. Damian and she were in a ward (congregation) together their freshmen year. I am so proud of the way she's written these books, full of her values and morals. She has taught wonderful lessons to the world. I've never read another Vampire book and probably never will. To me, these books are about the MESSAGE and the characters are secondary. The messages are:

Good Always Conquers Evil, in the End
Love Triumphs Over All and is Eternal
FAMILY is the Most Important Thing There Is
Sacrificing for Those you Love Makes all Things Better
You CAN Control your Weaknesses and NOT Give into Temptation
It is Worth it to WAIT for the Best Things in Life
There IS Life after Death and Justice and Mercy for All

Valdez: "Things of Importance"

Until 2 weeks ago, I hadn't been to my hometown for 14 years. For the last 4 years, I'd gotten VERY homesick. I had a list of things I wanted to see and do while in Valdez and I think I've squelched my nostalgic yearnings for at least another 4 years! My best friend, Emily, took me on an Alaskan Tour and she and I made a pact to attend our 20th HS Reunion in 4 more years!

I REALLY wanted to go in my High School and reminisce. It was locked all weekend. Right before Emily and I left Valdez on Monday, we ran into a janitor that let us in. All the interior doors were open and we spent about an hour wandering around. High School really was fun and I wish I could go back and do it again, knowing the things I do now, about myself! Only I'll keep my HS body, thank you very much!


Our mascot was the BUCCANEER . . . No wonder I love all things Pirate! This tile on the floor of the cafeteria was our sacred emblem (a little scary, I know!) If a rival school wanted to insult us, they'd step on this tile!

The view in the cafeteria was of the library (lower) and the Senior "Lounge" (upper). When you were an Underclassmen in Valdez, you would sit in the cafeteria and WATCH the Seniors, up in their "Lounge." (Notice the black couch in the upper left corner of the "Lounge.")

As a Senior, you could sit in the "Lounge" RULING over the school and all you see . . . this couch has been in that "Lounge" for 20 years, at least!

Here is the proof!! It's me at 17 (half as old as I am now!!) sitting on that couch, in the Senior "Lounge." That head of hair must have taken me 2 hours to sculpt . . . all before early morning seminary!

I helped paint this large painting of Captain Morgan (a Rum Ad!) next to the HS office. I was surprised it was still there after 16 years!

Jennifer was my friend on the red hammock, a few posts ago, and Rhonda was our art teacher!

This Science lab brought back lots of memories . . . of Troy F., my biology lab partner, ditching school on the day we had to dissect a cat. Oh, the nightmares I still have about that cat. I had to saw it's head OFF with a little handsaw. Now you'll have the nightmares!

Or how about the first day of Chemistry, when I had the whole class look through ALL the textbooks to find the one that Kevin B. used, so I could have HIS book! I'm wearing his watch in that photo above . . . talk about obsessed! Brother!

Or how about lunch hour student government meetings, held in the lab . . . Early years spent hanging onto every word Shawn M. spoke, later years arguing with Lance B. . . . Oh, for someone who doesn't like science, I sure spent a lot of time in this room (mostly creating memories of BOYS!)

Goodness knows I didn't participate in any gym sports! I did try out for cheerleading and the girls/coach laughed and sent me home, but I did go to lots of BBall games and flirt my heart off.

We moved from the house in last week's post (the one that is now a Mexican restaurant/hair salon!), when I was in 2nd grade. My dad built this house on Mineral Creek Drive. It was fun to see the little front porch addition the new owners had added! Smart idea, since the snow sliding off the roof buried one of my brothers, once!

Jenny W., my Best Friend in Elementary school lived in this house. It was located about half a mile from mine, up against a mountainside. The snow avalanches off that mountain damaged a lot of homes, killing one person, recently (so I heard?!). Jenny's home was moved to a new location, about a block from my childhood home! What a shame that we weren't neighbors like that 20 years ago! Jenny is the friend I visited a few months ago, in Florida.

OK, I know this might seem totally weird, but I REALLY wanted to see the Valdez Post Office. In Valdez, all mail is delivered to the Post Office and everyone has a PO Box Address. I filmed a video tour, narrated by ME, but decided not to totally bore you. I might force it on my kids, though, so they'll quit complaining about walking 30 steps to our mailbox, in front of our house!

As a kid, I had about 20 pen pals from all over the world (sort of like social misfit kids today that don't have local friends, only online friends!!) As a college girl, home for the summer, I'd check EVERYDAY, hoping my boyfriends had written . . . of course, Damian was one of them, writing me from his mission in Spain.

It's weird to have your life revolve around mail, but I think it's very similar to kids today with their texting, emailing, blogging, etc.

This was my actual mailbox. And the Post Office smelled the same as I remember. In fact, a lot of places had smells that took me back: Eagle Market, my High School Art Room, the Boat Harbor (not such a good smell!) and McMurry's Halibut House. Suzie Blackburn (I can't remember her new last name) had the same perfume . . . and walking behind her took me back!

My phone number was 835-2696 and my parents were 835-2691. I asked my brother, John, if he was able to get our old number and he told me (in VERY DEJECTED TONES!) "No, I could only get 835-2061, but that's close!" So obviously, your identity in a small town is tied to your PO BOX and your phone number!

Emily and I ate here for lunch all 3 days. I know, we went a little overboard, but the "Crispies" are not rivaled anywhere else in the world. If you're from Valdez, you know what I'm talking about. I have been dying to have those again for 14 years!

This is our church in Valdez. No matter where I travel in the world, when I walk into an LDS congregation, I am at home. I love that! The doctrine is the same, the lessons schedule is the same, the whole world over, and the people are all basically the same. I've been to church all over the US/Hawaii, in Canada, Mexico, and France. I may not understand all the words, but the Hymns are the same and the Spirit is the same.

I only knew 9 families from my time in Valdez, but it was fun to meet new people and see the tiny congregation still thriving. The feelings of love and fellowship were sweet and I really love that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the same, the world over.

I was shocked when I walked into the chapel to realize how small it was. The front pew on the left was "ours." My mom sat behind the organ and my dad sat behind the pulpit as a member of the bishopric, when he wasn't working day shift. There was only one more row of pews behind me, as I took this photo!

I would like to ask my Mom a question at this time: "Mom, now that I am a parent I'd like to address an injustice! WHY IN THE WORLD DID YOU SIT BEHIND THAT ORGAN WHILE I TENDED YOUR 6 CHILDREN EACH SUNDAY FOR AN HOUR??!! There are only 3-5 songs, you could have come down between them! YOU TOOK ADVANTAGE OF ME!"

Maybe I'll cut her some slack. I've thought of joining my congregation's choir, just so once a month I can sit up in the choir seats, and not with my kids. And I sing like a strangled goose!

AAAHHHH, if you notice the label for this post is "Recovering from Val-Disease." I think after spending 3 days there, I am getting the longings for my hometown out of my system, at least for awhile!

Priest/Laurel Activity

In our church, the Young Men and Women that are 16 and 17 are called "Priests" and "Laurels." We had an activity yesterday where all the Priests and Laurels from 9 wards/congregations (Our Stake) met together for a FULL day of fun (8am-8pm!).

We were pleased that 32 kids came, about half of who COULD have come!!

The first activity of the day was painting fences at a Wildlife Preserve.

You might recognize my Trek "Son" Ammon, in the red sweatshirt.

These guys decided to pose as if they were part of a prison work crew.

These kids were having a bit more fun, probably because of this smart-alec leader, in the right corner.

He's my good friend's husband and teased everyone (especially me!). He cracked jokes and made the day more fun for the kids, inciting pranks and craziness all day.


My friend, Brenda (in the middle) was the only kid to come from the spanish congregation. I was really proud of her courage and enjoyed watching her make new friends and have a great time.


These cuties were inseparable, painting AND rafting together. . .

Look at those beautifully painted fences!! The gal in the middle was also part of my Trek Family. It was good to see her again, she's a wonderful girl.

I'm sure you remember Jamie, another of my Trek "Sons." He met a guy in the parking lot with an exotic bird named Jasmine. Jamie LOVED talking to Jasmine.

Jamie's twin brother, Josh, was groomed by Jasmine. She picked out all the paint in his hair!!

After the service project, the kids went for a 3 hour rafting trip. I chickened out, mostly because about 10 boys threatened to dump me in the river! I decided to spend a few hours with my good friend, Kirsten. I'm her counselor in the Stake YW Presidency. We sat and lounged/visited on the bank of the river . . . until one raft of our BOYS floated by and threatened to dunk us. We ran up the bank and they stole our chairs! We made important plans for our future: She is going to start blogging and I'm going to prepare for a half marathon with her, in October. We also dreamed about competing in a tri-athalon on Kona in 5 years . . . she'll bike, I'll swim and we'll find a die-hard runner (maybe my brother-in-law, Jared!)

When the kids returned from their fun on the river, many 'rested' until the barbeque . . . others played games and visited. The girl on the Left is Damian's secretary for the summer. She's a Doll, literally, her name is Jenny Doll. Kirsten's baby girl is on the right.

After dinner, we sang and then had a speaker talk to us about the importance of choosing good friends. Then, about 10 kids got up and bore powerful testimony of the blessings of the gospel in their lives. They testified of their Savior, Jesus Christ, and their love for their families, their friends and their love of the Restored Church of Jesus Christ. It was a powerful meeting and I was very proud of the Youth in our Stake.

It is so fun to serve in a Stake capacity, with the youth because then, I get to know all the youth from our whole valley. Today, I'm teaching Katrina's primary lesson in church and I'm looking forward to that opportunity! I'd better go prepare my lesson!

Slightly Obsessed Twilight Fans!

I just got back from an amazing Twilight Party! My friend, Michelle threw a great BASH in her beautiful backyard for 30 other SLIGHTLY OBSESSED TWILIGHT FANS.

The themed decorations were enchanting . . . notice the apples, flower petals and ribbons used as table centerpieces, honoring each book jacket:

The treats were DIVINE! I stopped dipping fruit in the chocolate fountain . . . I ladeled it into my mouth with a spoon, instead!

Me, Michelle and Alisha in our matching shirts (designed by Michelle.) Notice Michelle's handmade necklace . . . complete with a wolf carved from bone and a little chrystal heart . . . to signify both of Bella's loves. I cheated at all the games so I could win one. Which is worse? Coveting a necklace or being dishonest to get the necklace?

These are my best Twilight BUDS . . . Jen Vranes and Tiffany Idiart, my sister-in-law, 8 mos. pregnant. . . but still goin' strong!

At Midnight, some of the more DIE-HARD fans went to Barnes and Noble to pick up our copy of Stephenie Meyer's Breaking Dawn, book 4 in the Twilight series.

WHAT AM I DOING BLOGGIN AT 1AM, WHEN I COULD BE READING BREAKING DAWN?

Butterfly and Speedos

My brother, Jonathan was a strong swimmer. As a Sophomore, his 200 Free Relay team broke the school record at 1:42.95. I promised some photos of him in a speedo . . . so if you're not too grossed out, come with me on a journey through my Senior Yearbook!

That REALLY THIN GIRL is me. I know . . . you can hardly recognize me, without all my padding. I look at that flat stomach and ask myself, "How in the world did I turn out so fluffy, enough that I get asked 'When is the baby due' at least once a week?" And then I remember that I had 5 children in 7 years and I pat myself on the back!

Speaking of Fluff, what's up with John's hair? Did he use a blow dryer? I conveniently cropped myself out of this shot, just so you know! John and I went on a trip to Mexico with our parents after swim season and he wore that speedo around.

Here is another question I ask myself, "Were my parents too cheap to get him some trunks after spending $50 on his swim team suit, or did he just have a lot of self-confidence?" Please John, share your thoughts with us. Mom, shed some light on this SKIMPY situation.

This is half of the Valdez Swim Team '91-'92. I cropped out my coach who mostly just yelled at me to stop "lollygagging" and be a good example. What in the heck is lollygagging? And I cropped out all the boys in speedos. I didn't think I could stomach anymore of that.

There were three Senior girls on the team: Emily (in the white shirt), Jennifer H. and myself (both sitting on the diving block.) FYI: There is a pink dot on my thigh. My brother, John and his best friend, Nathan W. are the two boys on the back row. John's girlfriend is the tall girl behind Jennifer. The girl I wish he would have dated is on the front, far left. What a cutie.

Yes, don't be too shocked, that girl flexing is me, YIKES!! I was really proud that I was built like a man . . . for some reason?!! I would get on the diving blocks before each race and FLEX. How embarrassing now, to remember how full of myself I was. I guess I still must be, if I'm posting swimsuit photos of myself!

My friend, Jennifer H. is in the lifeguard chair. She and I became lifeguards together, along with 2 of our guy friends and we LOVED that job. I think I could say, we paid for college lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons. She was so fun to work with and is a very good friend.

The last photo is of Emily, my best friend in High School, the one I visit in Alaska, each year. She was our team manager.

Here we are 17 years later: Me, Emily and Jennifer. We have 10 kids between us (OK, half are mine!) We recently visited with each other, in our home town. I had a really fun time reminiscing and laughing.

FYI: My senior year, I helped break 2 record with my relay teams. I broke the 100 yd. Butterfly on my own. I swam it in 1:13.43. When I went back to Valdez this summer, I noticed it had been broken recently and the girl could swim it about 12 seconds faster than me. Which is huge. So she must have REALLY BIG PECS and BICEPS!! Or maybe she just didn't "lollygag" in practice so much!

This is the record breaking 200 Medley Relay Team. Our time was 2:10:90. We aren't standing in our relay order but Katholyn R. (Backstroke), Me (Butterfly at about :32), Tracie L. (Freestyle) and Adrianne G. (Breaststroke). Adrianne is the one I wish John would have dated. She went to state that year, as a freshman. She was a powerful swimmer and a really nice little girl. Our INTIMIDATING swim caps have a picture of a shark on them! We didn't hold that record more than a few years.

This was our record breaking 200 Free Relay Team, with a time of 1:55.29. We kept the record a little longer, I believe . . . Jennifer (where is her shark nose?) and I were Seniors, with one freshman and a junior. I'll have you know, I was having a REALLY GOOD HAIR DAY.

WOW, did this picture just shock and mortify you? I really do have muscles like a man. Of course, now they're all flab. Ooops! That makes an even more disgusting mental picture. I can still FLY, but I gasp and swallow water like nobody's business! My kids are impressed, though, and that's all that really matters.