A Little Bit of Misc. in the Spring

I've had some interesting times this month and last, but I haven't taken any good photos! I either don't have my camera with me (and I just CANNOT get a good photo with my phone!), or I just forget about taking any.

So here's a couple of bad shots of the Mr. Clearfield High 2010 pageant, which was a fundraiser for Kris' debate team. It was a hoot! The boys were goony, and occassionally amazingly talented. It was a lot of fun. Kris, of course, was busy with the details and Sterling had volunteered as an AV tech.

You can't tell, but this is Kris on stage ... she did a great job!

Kaiya and Teague and I have had a sleepover, and more recently, I played hooky from work this past week and we went and played all day. First we went to the Main library, which is an awesome place with lots of fun nooks and decorations in the kids' area (and elevators that Kaiya and Teague LOVE because they tickle their tummies - they're glass and move pretty fast). Then we went to lunch at a great pub in Trolley Square - good, fresh food and amazing kids' meals. Then home for a nap for Teague while Kaiya and I went to see "How to Train Your Dragon." Fun, fun, fun!

Yesterday the kids came over while Mom and Dad had a soccer game, so we made "bird nests" for Easter out of chocolate-covered Chinese noodles with candy eggs in them.

This morning we went to Market Street for our traditional Easter brunch. We went a bit earlier than we did last year, so it wasn't quite as hectic. I'm disappointed that they have apparently stopped having the Easter bunny, but otherwise it's a great breakfast at a good price. Since it snowed last night, it was a bit chilly for Easter! This photo was taken before we were seated by this guy who thought he knew me, but had me confused with someone else, but then it turned out that we really did know each other. However, the kids were hungry and not in the mood for picture taking ... especially Kaiya. She would not turn around.

Follow My Work

I've started a Facebook page and am on Twitter to communicate about the work I do at Nature's Sunshine Products, and I'd love it if you'd "fan" (Facebook) and "follow" (Twitter) me. You can find the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NSPInternationalEvents; and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NSPIntlEvents. I also want to start a blog sometime, if I can find the time! I certainly do have an awesome job, and Nature's Sunshine is an AWESOME company.

It's A Boy!!

This week Kristen and Sterling were chosen by a birth mom to adopt their baby boy, due June 12. I am so happy for them!! They have been waiting for so long for a little soul to share their life, after going through such heartache. Actually, they were quite lucky in being chosen relatively quickly (many couples are on the registry for years). Kris said the overall feeling among everyone involved is a feeling of "meant to be." This child will be lucky to have Kris and Sterling for his mama and papa. Please say a little prayer for them, that everything will go well.

Coach Kris

Last night I went to Clearfield High School to watch Kristen in action with her debate team. Even though they were also in Anaheim while we were there, I didn't get to watch any of that tournament. And last night I didn't actually watch the tournament either, but did get to see the organization and challenges that come with putting on a debate tournament. It reminded me a lot of the event planning I do. You're everyone's "go to" person, with a million questions coming at you constantly. Kris handled all of it with great aplomb. The other thing that was SO impressive was to observe how much these kids - from a somewhat "tough" high school - absolutely love her and want to impress her. And it was easy to see why. She had something positive to say about every kid she introduced - usually lots of positive things. Three times as we went past a group of kids, someone would call out, "I'm her favorite!" It is a unique talent to be able to make multiple people all feel that they're your favorite. Just ask any parent with more than one child ... then again, I suppose it's easy because each one is your favorite version of that person. Lastly ... it is humbling and gratifying to watch your "baby" (because they remain that no matter old they are) not only do okay, but become amazing. Kris, you are an incredible teacher and mentor. And I love you.

The team last night


At the beach in Cali

Aunt Kate

This past weekend I flew to Portland, Oregon, and then drove to Randle, Washington for my Aunt Kate's memorial service. Sadly, she lost her battle with cancer just after Christmas. It was a nice service, with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, etc. there from Utah, and of course, all of Aunt Kate's family there in Washington. Many of them I haven't seen since we were kids. It was a sad occasion to do so, but it was good to see everyone.

Aunt Kate was a "feisty broad" - probably from the time she was born. As one of the speakers said, "Whether she liked you or whether she didn't ... you knew it." I always thought of her as my fun aunt. She was the baby of their family, so it's been a bit hard for her sisters - my mom and Aunt Evie and Aunt Jerrie.

She was able to come for a visit in 2008, and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to spend a little time with her then.

We'll miss you, Aunt Katie!

Randle is in the general vicinity of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Ranier and Mt. Hood. Unfortunately, it was so overcast we couldn't see much of the grand dames. But it is truly beautiful country up there.

Disneyland!

Steph and Mickel decided to surprise their kids with a trip to Disneyland. They truly did not tell them where they were going until they were almost there, and then Kaiya was just beside herself with excitement. I wish I would have been on the plane with them. Then another surprise ... Grammie showed up at the Long Beach airport! Really I just invited myself along, but Steph and Mickel were gracious enough to make me feel welcome. So here are some random pictures of our fun. It really IS the happiest place on earth!

Everyone's favorite mouse ... especially Teagie's.



Teagie's our little man ... he was giving the sword his best effort.


Here we are chillin' in line to meet the Princesses. It's always been Kaiya's favorite, and I think Teague is becoming smitten as well. And the line wasn't too long!

Having a treat at the Tiki room, which we call the "Teagie room."

We went to a character dinner, which was hosted by FIVE princesses, beginning with Arial. Kaiya was in 7th heaven ... too bad she didn't eat the $19 mac and cheese.

Minnie was a favorite, too.

I'll have to get a copy of the picture of Kaiya and Peter Pan and add it. She has a crush on Peter, it's so cute. When we went to the parade, she kept her eyes absolutely glued on him. She threw him a kiss - both nights we went to the parade - and he saw her and caught them.

Kris and Sterling also happened to be there at the same time. Kris' debate team had a tournament, so she was busy with that quite a lot. But I did get to see her - if only because I was bunking with them! Thanks, guys.

I've always been a Disneyland fan, but I have forgotten how much more fun it is with little ones.

December So Far

Our angel Krissy Lou turned 28 on Saturday, and her sweet hubby Sterling planned a surprise birthday lunch for her at Taifoon. I didn't get a picture of her when she came in, but it was pretty funny ... she really didn't register anything for like 30 seconds, in spite of all of us shouting "Surprise!" She said she looked at Steph and wondered what she was doing there, before she took in the other dozen or so guests. Her dad even managed to make it, in spite of it being his busiest time of year right now. I know that meant a lot to her, as did copies of his two cookbooks. Steph & Mickel and the kids were there, along with Sterling's mom and dad, Kris' friend Amy, and one of her former Ames students, Gavin. Sterling also took her to get a massage, and to the Nutcracker that night. He's such a blessing in her life, and we love him for the love he has brought to her.

Mel, and brothers Alex and Nick

Kaiya with Aunt Kris

Our Teagie

Kris reminded me of the story about her name. Some of you may not know that she was originally meant to be named Holly. We wanted a name to reflect the season, and Holly Harward sounded pretty cute together. However (and this may seem petty now, but please don't judge me), there was a character on the Dallas TV show at the time that was not only named Holly, but, in fact, Holly Harward. And she was EVIL. So I just couldn't bring myself to do it. So Kris got "Christan" (we later amended the spelling) and years later gave the name Holly to her cat. I think she's still a little miffed about the whole thing. Baby girl, as I say every year, you were the best Christmas present I ever got! And it was the only year I was ready for Christmas early. Happy Birthday!

Earlier this month I took what I call my "Medallion Trip." It turned out that I lacked 105 miles to maintain my Delta Medallion status, so there definitely needed to be a trip somewhere before the year ended. So, Arizona it was. First I stayed with my sister Karen and family for a couple of days in Phoenix. The weather was great (not necessarily by their standards, but definitely by Utah standards, especially since we were in that deep freeze at the time). It's so wonderful to just spend time with them. Karen and Mike and I did go to the local improv comedy club, which was a hoot! I'd share the jokes, except that I don't remember them of course.

Hunter with Stitch, who looks ferocious and like he's not having any fun, but he is (Stitch, that is, not Hunter).

Mike, Karen and Brandon.

On Saturday, Mike was kind enough to give me a ride down to Tucson, where I spent a couple of days with my good friends Tim and Mark. Even if we're just hanging out, Tim always sets up various dinners and cocktail parties, so it's never boring there! We also went to a local street fair, and Mark and I took a trip on the "tram" (ground, not aerial) up a local canyon. By that time, the weather down there had taken a turn for the worse, so it wasn't very busy. The only other people with us were a couple of ladies with a couple of kids. None of them really had any kind of substantial jacket, and one of the ladies had on short shorts. But in spite of the weather, or really, because of it, it was hauntingly beautiful. Also, by the time I came back to Utah the weather had warmed up substantially - still cold, but not bitterly so. So ... good trip!