Too much Information

OK, I am just a little freaked out right now. I am what some might call a voluntary introvert. I like being socially inept, people in general make me a little crazy and I find them irritating. (this probably says more about me then about them.) So, how is it I find myself waiting on company to come, not just for the evening mind you, but for an overnight stay. And I don't know that I know them. Steve insists that I do but nothing is coming to my memory. I have been running around the house cleaning and changing sheets and doing dishes, (man, I make it sound like my house is a pig sty, which it isn't as bad as it could be). To top it all off Steve isn't even home and I will have to play hostess all by myself, oh hurrah Steve just called and he is on his way home. Whew, dodged a bullet there. Any way I know that everything will turn out fine as Steve is the host with the most and I am a pretty good actress. (people actually think I am nice and social). I will check back to report on the success of my hostessing. Anyone out there that is a natural born Martha Stewart I am open to suggestions about becoming more socially prepared.

Take the Quiz here!

I am Elizabeth Bennet, and I am thrilled! I love all of Miss Austens Heroines but I identify more so with Lizzy then with any other. I love her so much that when I am completely and perfectly and incandescently happy my hubby calls me "Mrs Darcy" Thanks to you Marivic for directing me to this little quiz, it was fun.

You Lift Me Up

I have given a lot of thought to this particular blog. A few people have visited my blog because of the name "Happiness is a Choice". I wanted to share with those that are interested the reason for the name.
I have a dear and darling little niece who is 18, and not quite a year ago she was involved in a tragic car accident where one of the people involved in this accident lost her life. My niece walked away from the accident with a few bumps, bruises and road rash. That was all that was physically wrong with her, emotionally it was another story. As anyone can imagine it has been a very difficult and challenging process trying to deal with all the emotions that have inundated her. She has bourne her trials with grace and humility and kindness. If anyone could have reason for depression and self-pity it could be her, but she has risen above that. She has always been a very happy person, very sweet and almost childlike in her ability to deal with people with an open heart and generous spirit. One of her teachers was asked to write a recommendation for a scholarship for her and he wrote the most beautiful things about my little niece all basically stating that she has had more then her share of trials for someone at such a young age and she has made the conscious choice to be Happy. What an amazing strength in one so young. She doesn't give into despair, she has taken responsibility for her own life and happiness.
Every time I feel a little let down of spirit I think about my niece and it gives me strength. I hope I can be just like her when I grow up!

My own Stripling Warrior

It is time for a little tribute to my youngest son, Nicholas. Nic is one of the best Kids in the world. He is ambitious, industrious, loving, kind, gentle, a superb husband, and phenomenal father. I am writing this to congratulate my youngest on his latest accomplishment. You see my son is a pilot and has been working on getting his hours built up so that he is eligible to apply to a major airline, and just last Saturday he hit 1000 hours. whew, Nic what an accomplishment. It took him moving from Logan to Kansas to Boulder City, but he did it. Nic I must tell you that you are the son all mothers dream about. You have developed all the positive attributes that every young mother holding their newborn dreams that their children will have. You have continued to strive to improve yourself and have never lost your gentle nature and humble attitude. What a handsome young man you are. The Lord knew I would need the very best to be able to mother successfully and so he sent me his most precious and valiant souls, I thank him daily for that and you. You have become the best of the best in spite of my incompetence and I proudly call you my son.

Tag, you're IT!

I have been tagged by a new friend Marivic, so I have questions to answer and 4 of my own people to tag, here goes nothing.


4 places I visit frequently
1. Home, sweet home. I am a homebody and love my house and yard
2. Jenny's house. (daughter and bestest friend) You can't beat an afternoon with the grandbabies.
3. Debbie's house (sis next door) She is the cook in the family and always has treats.
4. DISNEYLAND (I would love to live on main street, I even have an annual pass)

4 people who call/text/email me regularly
1. Steve (best hubby around)
2. Jenny (like I said, bestest friend)
3. Dad (totally entertaining)
4. Elaine (My dearest friend and neighbor)

4 favorite foods
1. I love all food (except seafood), Chicken Kiev from the Five Alls
2. Ribs from Texas Roadhouse
3. Peas and Celery Casserole, mom made this when I was young and I couldn't get enough.
4. Alice Springs Chicken from Outback (wouldn't you know all my choices are meats)

4 Places I'd rather be
1. DISNEYLAND (the happiest place on earth)
2. Fiji (never been, but who knows)
3. A cabin in the woods with my family
4. Anywhere reading a Stephanie Meyer book.

4 movies I would watch over and over
1. Pride and Prejudice (the new version) I do watch it over and over and over and over
2. An unfinished Life
3. Hunt for Red October
4. The Princess Bride

4 Bands/groups I like to listen to
1. Lonestar
2. Il Divo
3. Carol King (I know, I know she isn't a band but she is extremely talented.)
4. The soundtrack from Phantom of the Opera

4 People I am tagging
1. Jenny Lynn (My dearest daughter and friend)
2. Taralyn (My darling niece)
3. Nic and Krista (darling parents of Addie)
4. Debbie (sorry Deb this means you have to learn how to post on your blog)

Memory Game

1.As a comment on this post, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2.Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses.

If you leave a memory about me I will assume you are playing the game and I will come to your blog and leave one about you. And if you are just a "lurker" that I don't know very well, please use this as an excuse to leave a comment and say hello!

What a catch!

I am the luckiest woman around. I not only have a wonderful home and yard, I have the best dang husband this side of the Mississippi, (heck I have the best husband that side of the Mississippi too) We celebrated our 34th year of wedded bliss this past week and I just have to brag a little about my catch. Steve is not only handsome (which he is) he is also the most talented man around. He built our house and then remodeled it and did the yard and then remodeled it and then remodeled the house again. His grandkids think he is the best thing since sliced bread (especially when he gives them rides on his motorcycle.) He is genuinely the closest thing to a Pied Piper you can find. People love and adore this man and follow him anywhere (I of course lead the pack). We have had non-stop adventures in our 36 years together and sometimes it is hard to catch my breath but at least he keeps me motivated and growing. So my Honey, this is for you, I love you dearly!

There Has To Be An Easier Way To Stay Cool

Jenny and Chris
Steve and Me
Steve with the grandbabies
Chris and Faisal getting to the Grotto
12 years and 4 kids later
Chris heading into the pool ( the girl in the suit is not with us)


I don't know if everyone feels the way I do about the heat, I Don't Like It! I know, I know, I complained incessantly about the cold and longed for the dog days of summer but I AM SWELTERING. It doesn't help that I am at the age that my physical thermastat is completely out of whack (I swear I could heat a small village in Siberia all by myself). So to help alleviate the heat my dear Son-In-Law Christopher invited Steve and I to join his family for FHE last night. It was a very sweet re-enactment of Jenny and Chris' engagement (except this time the in-laws, 4 kids and a cousin tagged along). We stopped at Zubs for sandwiches just like they had on that starstruck night 12 years ago and then headed up Payson canyon to a little spot known as 'The Grotto". There was a little hike once we parked the car and I admit my breathing at a point or two was becoming a bit labored but really it wasn't too bad. Once we arrived I was very delighted with the sight. A waterfall was falling in a pond surrounded by rock walls, it was enchanting. We snapped some photos and just enjoyed the coolness of the moment and then my dear Son-In-Law started walking into said pond and just kept walking until he was completely under the waterfall. Now mind you, he was not in a swimming suit but in the clothes that he wore up there and would have to wear back. I couldn't believe it but the pictures testify to the facts. We were then just as stunned when my 10 year old granddaughter did the same thing with the encouragement of her dad. What silly, silly kids. It was a wonderful evening except for the fact that Sienna and Chris were freezing all the way home. We were hesitant to use the air conditioner for the rest of us (you know the ones with common sense) so it was a hot ride home for some and very cold for others as we did open the car windows. I loved the whole adventure and I also love the fact that my dear Chris would invite the old in-laws along to enjoy the adventure. Thanks Chris, you are our favorite (and only) Son-In-Law.

The Daily Grind

Hi everyone,
It has been a few days since I last posted and I wanted to update anyone who is interested.
Steve and I have had a rough couple of days dealing with the death of our wonderful Sadie Dog but I have found that we have become closer in how we are dealing with it (literally and figuratively). I have wanted to just hang around with Steve and he seems to feel the same so I believe that something positive has come from something sad.
We also have had my niece Tara up from Tucson with her little family visiting so it was a good way to think about other things. They threw a baby shower for my nephew Mckay's wife Denene and we were able to see people we hadn't seen in a while. We were even fortunate enough to have my sister Janeth here from New Mexico, so that was a treat.
We have finally finished the yards on the Salem houses and it looks like the grass is actually growing! (woohoo) I realize this is rather boring but right now this is probably the best I can deliver, I am sure that next post will be much more entertaining. (maybe not to you, but to me) Well I have made enchiladas for dinner and I must retrieve them before they are beyond recognition.

One of my Heroes

Today was a very difficult day for me. I lost a companion of 8 1/2 years and the most genuine and loving creature I have ever known. Sadie, our beautiful golden retriever, passed away today. I have never been one of those people that call their pet one of their children and I have never allowed anyone to call me Sadie's mom, but I only hope that I can be like my Sadie dog as I grow older.
She was full of grace and genuine concern and tolerance for all around her, especially the very youngest of my dear little grandbabies. Once she even made us aware of one of my grandbabies that had wandered away and Sadie came after us and took us right to her. She was loving to all, even those that treated her poorly, and always came back with a forgiving spirit. She would put her head under your hand so that you would pet her on the head. She loved to have her back haunches scratched and would back up to you to get you to do it. She knew no strangers and would greet and lick anyone that came into our home. When Steve would go out of town and it was just Sadie and me, she would sleep at the top of the stairs leading to my bedroom to make sure that I was safe. She was a source of light during a most challenging time in my life, she would comfort my wounded heart and be a salve to my discouraged spirit. She was another beating heart in an otherwise empty house. I could go on and on about the comfort she gave to me personally because it was done on a daily basis.
I do not know how it is decided which of us are human and which are animal but in my opinion my little Sadie Dog has earned her place in the highest kingdom. Sadie I hope you are waiting for us to join you some day, but for now I hope you run in the sunlight on the green grass and feel the wind blowing back your ears.