My Answers to the Tag Questions!!!!!

OK--Here we go.

10 years ago I think I was home schooling Andrew. It was also a year before Dad retired, so we were gearing up for that. I loved home schooling. It was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done with my children. Of course, Andrew was so easy to work with. He wanted this in his life, and did everything he was required to do. It was a special time.

Snacks I enjoy. I like cookies, but I love crackers. Peanut M&M's are good too. But alas, none of these are very good for me. So I rarely snack now. In the evening, I'll have a piece of string cheese; for the protein.

I enjoy reading, playing on my DS, playing computer games, crocheting, doing crossword puzzles etc. I'd like to learn to paint in oils. I want to do landscapes. Oh, I almost forgot. I love to cross stitch.

If I was suddenly made a billionaire, I'd be in shock. Then I'd pay off the mortgage, and all the mortgages of my children. For those that don't have their own homes yet, I'd buy them one. I'd like to do anonymous donating to people who are in need. Maybe a motorized wheelchair for someone who can't afford it, WalMart gift cards to families struggling with bills, college funds for who ever needed them in the family. There are so many ways to make a difference, and I'd try and find them all.

Only 3 bad habits?? I'm addicted to sugar. It is very hard for me to resist it, but it does very nasty things to my body. I procrastinate housework. If I just kept up, then I wouldn't have to scramble when I needed a clean house. I do not have patience for stupid people.

5 jobs that I've had. Counter girl at a candy shop, teachers aide, Convergys, Lakeside Reading Center, mom.

5 things people don't know about me. 1) My feelings get hurt really easy, but I usually keep it inside. If you hurt my feelings, you probably won't know you did. 2) I don't like to make mistakes. It devastates me. 3) When I'm in large groups of people, I'm very shy, and won't say much. But one on one, I'm not shy at all. 4) I try very hard to never think bad about any one. I'm not always successful, but I do try. 5) I'm content with my own company. I don't have to have tons of people around me to be happy. I don't mind lots of people, I just don't need it.

I don't know what all this says about me phycologically, but there I am.

March Came In Like A Lion, Will It Leave Like A Lamb??

This is going to be a 'way' busy week. I need to go through and really clean the house. On Thursday, I teach my last D&C class for the women of our stake. I've really enjoyed this so much. The ladies that come really want to learn, and we have had wonderful gospel discussions.

We've got the big birthday party for Ava on Saturday. I'm not sure how many will be coming, but at last count, I was up to about 16. That will so much fun, and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone.

Jon flies out to San Diego today. I hope he has a wonderful time. I'm sure he and Andrew will find lots of mischief to get in too. (ha ha) He will be there for his birthday, so we will celebrate it when he gets back. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JON!!!!!

Dad has bought his first real estate venture. It is a tri-plex in Ogden. He got it at a very good bargain. We haven't decided if we will keep it, or rehab and sell. The rehab starts today, and we hope to have it done very quickly, so we can get renters into it. They say the first buy is the hardest, and it was a crazy past few weeks. But I'm so proud of him. He did it. The next one will be easier, as he knows what to do, and how to do it.

Thought:
The trouble with being in the rat race, is that even if you win, you're still a rat--Lily Tomlin.

You Are a Pear

You are independent, intelligent, and a free thinker. You can accomplish great things, especially when you do them on your own. You are direct, honest, and sometimes even a bit brutal. There's not much that gets in the way of you and your ambition. While you are hard nosed, you do have a much sweeter side to you. It takes times for you to soften toward someone, but once you do, you'll be their friend for life.

What Type of Fruit Are You?

It is easy to get tired of all the snow that we keep getting. Keeping it shoveled is definately a chore. I have to admit that I'm excited to see it. After spending winter in a desert with the temperatures hiking to 120 in the shade, it is refreshing to be cooler. But when I'm out shoveling the driveway, I'm not quite as enthusiastic.

Life is passing so quickly, and I feel like I'm missing out on so many things. Mostly, seeing my grandchildren grow up. They all live far away. If I could have any wish I wanted, it would be for all my children and grandchildren to live close to me. I miss them so much.

Val and I are plugging along. I'm trying to make a successful go of my web site, and he is trying to become a real estate investor. He has been trying so hard. He was able to make an offer on a tri-plex today. He also has another offer on a home in Clearfield. We hope that they will work out.

I have a lovely new computer (new to me) compliments of my son Matt and his wife Katya. I still haven't loaded any pictures on it, so until I do, no more pictures when I write. Hope you aren't disappointed, but that's life.

Well, I have lots of projects to attend to. Just wanted to check in so everyone would know we are alive and still kicking.

Joyful.Sad Emotions

Last night as we sat watching television, Jon called to tell us that President Hinckley had passed away. We were so shocked. We knew he was so fragile and old. We logically knew that he wouldn't be here much longer, and yet when the time came, we were shocked. There had been no warnings of illness, or hospital visits. He was just suddenly gone.

We loved and continue to love our dear prophet so much. His kindness, humor, strength, and courage are ledgendary. If we all used him as a role model, think of where the church and world would be. His greatness is awe inspiring. I will forever be grateful that he was the prophet during part of my life.

Now a new prophet will be called. We will love and support him. His mission will be to continue what President Hinckley started, and go forward with the mission the Lord has for him. He will be in our prayers. I imagine that he knows what he is in for, and would rather not have the honor, but he will serve and do the will of our Father. There will be no panic, no wondering "what will we do". We know what will happen. The Lord is a God of order. He will lead and guide the Brethren. All will be well.

Isn't our church wonderful? Isn't it comforting to know that the Lord is in charge and He will call a prophet to be his spokesperson on earth? There is great peace in the knowledge we have. Great peace.

www.kdpanda.com

I finally finished my new website. It took hours of work, but I'm pleased with the results. Now I'm going to start putting some of my products on EBAY so that I can generate some income. There should be a link to my site there, so hopefully people will go and see what I have. I've never wanted to have anything to do with business before. But sometimes life throws you a curve, and you have to change direction and try new things. I need to be able to stay home, but I also need to generate income for our family. I hope that this allows me to accomplish both. So anyone who reads this, pass the word. I'm in business. (p.s. Thanks Matt for all your constructive criticism. It really helped push me in the right direction)