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!

Thanksgiving Weekend

This Thanksgiving weekend has been a just-about-right mix of family and fun, work and relaxing. Stephanie was once again our hostess (I like to joke that I've managed to go from going to my mom's for Thanksgiving dinner to going to Steph's - skipping right over me), and Kris and Sterling were able to join us as well (their second dinner - I remember those days!).

Kaiya made everyone a name card, mostly by herself - and a tiny bit of help from Mom. She is really moving along in her letters and can sound out most words and write most letters. She's already half-way through her kindergarten work book that I got her for her birthday ... and it's a big one! When we asked her what she wanted for Christmas, she said "a real computer, like Mommy and Daddy's." And don't think she wouldn't notice if it was one of those kid computers!

For some reason, she was having a real love-fest with the napkins. :)

The next morning I went over to watch the kids while Mom and Dad went to play flag football. First we played with playdoh. This is Bluebell, although the only thing blue on her was her eyes.

Alas, Bluebell met a rather violent end.

Teagie sure loves the playdoh too!

Later that night we went on TRAX (me, all the way from West Jordan) to go see the Christmas lights in Temple Square, along with everyone else in the Salt Lake valley. Mickel's dad and stepmom, Dennis and Jaime, also went with us. It was a mild night and a lot of fun. Teagie didn't seem to be feeling well, and was sucking on the inside of his cheeks and drooling a lot. It turns out that he probably has foot and mouth disease. But all in all he was a pretty good sport.

This Thanksgiving holiday, I have much to be thankful for. Especially for my two wonderful daughters. They have each added to my life in immeasurable and unique ways, and I truly believe that I must have done something pretty spectacular in the pre-existence to deserve them in this life! I love you more than words can say, "Annie" and "Rissy." You are the light of my life. And of course I'm thankful for Mickel and Sterling - I couldn't have made better choices for my baby girls. They are both kind and good men. And it goes without saying (because I say it so much anyway), I am thankful for my darling Kaiya and Teague and my angel in heaven, Kade. I am thankful for all my family, who always love and support me unconditionally. I am thankful for all my friends, near and far, who do the same. I am grateful to have a job that is not only a good one, but an inspiring and enriching one. I have a good life, and if I forget to say it, I always know it. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

A Long Month

As mentioned previously, I had two bouts of the (thankfully) fast-moving stomach flu, so I thought perhaps I was done with my share after that. Wrong! Towards the end of October, I came down with what I think was probably H1N1 (didn't get tested or treated, as I'd heard that they weren't doing much on either score). It was unlike any flu I've ever had. The usual symptoms, but also a mental fuzziness that was really the most disconcerting symptom of all. And it just wouldn't let go. To add to the general fun, I had the General Managers meeting fast approaching, so I couldn't afford the fuzziness (thank goodness for Gayle being on my team now, is all I can say). I spent two weekends in a row flat out in bed - including missing Halloween with the kids - but I was still sick when I headed out for the meeting. Thankfully, a couple of days into the meeting I began to feel better. The meetings turned out well, which is amazing given my mental state in the preparation stage. We went out for a lovely dinner at the Capital Grille, and also to the Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers basketball game. Unfortunately, the Heat lost the game that night, but it was a good game and it was fun to see Shaq and LeBron play. The announcer even welcomed our group.


Mercy, our Country Manager in El Salvador. We're both having fun being "abuelitas" (grandmas).

The day after those meetings were over, Gayle and I went on a site visit on the MSC Poesia, in preparation for a group sailing on that ship in April, although the itinerary we went on is different than what the group will do. It's no secret that the site visits are the best part of my awesome job, since I'm not taking care of a group, and it's me that's being wined and dined. But - and I know I will get absolutely no sympathy on this point - it's also a bit disconcerting. I'm not really on a vacation, so I feel that I should be working every minute. Which, of course, I don't. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to deal with it!

My cabin had a balcony - always a nice feature on a cruise.

The main swimming area on board - deserted because we were at port in Jamaica. Neither Gayle or I really wanted to go in, as we have both been before. And the high pressure the vendors use there is really not fun at all. But here's a couple of shots from the ship.

The smoke is from one of numerous bonfires made by the residents, I guess for cooking.

Here's a shot of the Poesia as we're going in to Grand Caymen for a little bit of shopping and lunch.

A couple of iguanas in the shopping center.

Grand Caymen port (Georgetown)

The cruise was interesting in that there were 1,300 rock group members and fans aboard in a group called "Shiprocked" (I wasn't clear how the group operates, but their cruise last year was the "Motley Cruise" so I guess it's an annual event that gets a new theme every year). They didn't really share their schedule with the other passengers, but there were several shows. The group sported a LOT of tatoos and long hair, but were very nice and friendly.

At any rate, I am SO glad to be through with being sick and with traveling (except for a small trip coming up to Phoenix and Tucson - in order to keep my Medallion status!). It's almost always sweet to come home. Almost always - I didn't want to leave Maui. :-)