Kauai Pics

THINGS LEARNED ON THIS VACATION

1. Kauai is NOT spelled Kaui. I have spelled it for wrong ever since I first came here in 1999.
2. Kauai still enchants me. I love that it is so quiet, the beaches are not crowded, and it is so green and lush. It truly looks like I always imagined Hawaii should. A trip to Hawaii, any island is wonderful and fun but Kauai is special. Maybe because it was the first island I went to.
3. Every day at the beach should end with shaved ice. My personal favorite is pina colada and coconut. My favorite place to get it is the Wishing Well in Hanalei and yes, I had one every day.
4. Shaved ice is wonderful, but shaved ice with a snow top is out of this world. We were introduced to snow tops this year. That means you get a topping of sweetened condensed milk. Ymmmm!
5. It's fun to see the boy's heads turn as you walk past them. Of course, this is because I was walking with Alex and Marianna (aka Marz).
6. When you are a mother/wife there is no such thing as a complete vacation. However, I am grateful for a partial one.
7. I never want to go on a vacation again weighting as much as I do now. This is the upper limit!!
8. You can teach an old dog (or woman) new tricks. I got up on a surfboard! Never mind that it was just for 20 or 30 yards or that the waves were tiny-I got up!!!
9. Waking up every day to the sun is delightful. So is wearing shorts every day.
10. Always take a picture of yourself, no matter how bad it is, just to prove you were really there.
11. The last day of vacation always comes no matter how much you wish it away.
12. Vacations are never long enough.

p.s. Pictures to follow when I get home.

Kaui

We got to Kaui yesterday and had a perfect, beautiful day today on Hanalei Beach and then Kee'
Beach. They are beautiful beaches and it is so nice to see the sun and feel the heat. Alex brought her adorable friend Mariana (Marz) and they are so fun to have around. Alex has dark hair, she has blonde and both are so cute!! They are turning a few heads. They are putting in insulation in our house today and siding goes up this week. It will be so fun to see how the house has progressed when we get home!! We picked up granite and ordered wood flooring last weekend. When we get home from Kaui, I work a week, then return to Santa Rosa to help Kelly move, then to Kasey's for a quick, fun visit (Can't wait to see and play with her kids!!). Then I work a week and have a few weeks off for the birth of Rylee. Before you know it, it will be July and we'll be moving in our new house. Can't wait.

GREAT DAY!

Thanks for all your good wishes, posts and phone calls today. I had a great day. First of all the weather was sunny and wonderful and 75 degrees! My sister said my mom ordered the weather for me for my birthday. I got to work in the back with the doctors today and got to do some new things I hadn't done yet and they went well. I am training in Endoscopy to work with the doctors doing the procedures instead of just getting the patients ready for them. There was a yummy chocolate cake at work for me and a couple of presents. I loved the blogs from my girls-made my day. I stopped by and had a quarter pounder with cheese from McDonald's, fries and a Mr. Pibb on the way home. That is really my horrible for me, guilty pleasure. Sick, huh? But today is my birthday and calories don't count today. Took a nap, talked to everyone on the phone and then Lee took me to dinner at Jambalaya. They always have good food. I had salmon but the surprise was it was Blues Jam night and the music was great and it was so fun watching the old ladies dancing and jiving to the music. Then it was home to watch 24. I love birthdays and am so glad we all get one day a year to feel special. I especially like that we can choose to do or not do anything we want because, hey, it's our birthday!!

HOUSE UPDATE

The house is moving along. All the siding is up except for a little in the front. Electrical and plumbing are almost finished and they should start doing insulation and sheetrock in the next week or two. I picked out appliances on Saturday and tile and rock for the front of the house. This weekend Lee and I are going to the bay area to pick out granite and hardwood flooring. Ray says he plans to be done about mid July. Can't wait!!!!!

GOINGS

This last weekend I went to a dear friend, Sally Autry's, daughter's wedding in Mt. Shasta. It was a quick trip but so nice to see good friends and enjoy some warm weather. Her daughter, Mirandi, looked beautiful.

In 2 1/2 weeks I am going to Hawaii with Lee, Alex, and her roomie Mariana. We are going to our timeshare in Kaui. I can't wait for beach time, sun and the lazy ambiance of the Hana Lei, one of my favorite spots on the island.

While I was at the wedding, Kelly and Jody and the boys moved to Santa Rosa. I was really glad NOT to have to see them packed up in their vehicles and actually moving. I don't think I could stand to always have that visual picture with me. My daughters are truly some of my best friends and I have been so very, very fortunate to have Kelly live near me for five extra years. It has been great to see her any time, to run to town on the weekends and have the boys over lots. I've been around Jody so much he feels like one of my own. I am trying real hard to just be grateful that they moved so close but it is still really hard to have them be away. I went down there the day after I got back from the wedding and helped her a little. It was nice to realize that the drive is very do-able for me and a very beautiful drive. It was also fun to be in the warmer weather and have so much shopping available. We will have fun going to Marine World with the kids, going out to eat at good places, and going shopping. I am sure I will be going down to Santa Rosa often.

We ran over to Vacaville for a few hours to see Jami and Keal. He is just as beautiful in person as in pictures!! Jami looks great and it was so fun to see her and Keal.

The weekend after we go to Hawaii, Kelly and Jody move into their house so I will be going down to help them get settled. Then I am going to go to Kasey's for a quick trip to watch the kids play t-ball. Then I'll be going down to Santa Rosa for the birth of Rylee. Then I'll be going to the lake the rest of the summer. Lots of goings!

GIRL'S NIGHT OUT

Madison and Kyle are here in town with Kalie and Madison is spending the night with me tonight. She has self proclaimed this as "Girl's Night Out". It is hilarious. Everywhere we go she goes, "Woo-hoo! Girl's Night Out!" We've been to a couple of stores and the clerks crack up at her. We started with the zoo with Kyle, then to the park and dinner at the Brewery with Kyle, Kalie and Grandpa. Then Madison very seriously let her mom know she was infringing on our time and needed to take Kyle home to Nana's so we could get on with girl's night out. We went and got her a chocolate milk shake at McDonald's then to get purple nail polish to do nails. We got to my house and made chocolate chip cookies for grandpa and did nails (I did hers and she did mine. I'll need to take mine off tomorrow!) and watched American Idol. Seriously, it is the funnest thing to have girl's night out with her! I hope she had half as much fun as I did. She is only four but talks like she is 16.

Conversations with Madison:
"I really love my dad. But I don't love him when he says bad words." (I got this clarified. These are all words where he's kidding her about spanking her)

"My mom is going to freak out when she sees my toenails. They are purple!"

"This is my blanket. Sometimes I use it for crying. Sometimes I get in trouble. I'm only four and I know a lot of things but not everything."

"You know what I like to do grandma? I like to have dinner parties and invite boys. I haven't ever done it before but I had a pretend party with my dolls and it was lots of fun."

"Do you know why I wanted to have girl's night out? Because I don't get to spend a lot of time with you."

Adorable. Simply adorable. I need girls to live near me and more one on one time with them.

BABYSITTING

This is how I found Ammon today when I walked in the room with the dress ups. He had put on a few. He was an English policeman, clown doctor I guess. I flew home with the two boys on Thursday. They were quite good actually. It was just tiring for me because I had to be awake and "on" the whole time. I'm used to getting on the plane and reading or napping. They have been great here too. Again I am used to doing my own thing so I get a little tired from no nap and getting up early but all in all it has been fine! Cohen has become my little buddy and that is great by me. He's only asked about his mom in the mornings once. Sorry Kelly. He goes down for his nap and at night without a whimper and is a hilarious mimic of all Ammon does. We all went and got pizza last night and some movies for Ammon to watch because he said "that would be really special". He watched Jungle Book and now has put aside the Ninja Turtle gear and is a panther.

ARIZONA

I love visiting Arizona, the state I grew up in. Especially in the spring. I went for 5 days and thoroughly enjoyed the sunshine, eating out at my favorite places and visiting family. I stayed at my sister Julie's and had a great time visiting with her and her family. Lindsey, Alan and Izzy were there staying with Alan's nephews and niece while his sister and brother-in-law were in Sweden. It was great seeing them again and seeing Isobel walking-so cute. I swear she seems more like 15 months old than 11 months. When she first saw me, she came right to me and I felt so special. Unitl I saw her do that to everyone else. Sad to say, I don't think she remembered me, she is just an extremely friendly little girl! I ate at Cafe Rio, Bajio (kind of like Cafe Rio but different and delicious! Went there twice!), and Pei Wei (sister chain to PF Chang's). We went to Nielson's Custards twice and I had the best concoction of frozen custard, raspberries and brownies. Ymmmm! We fixed a turkey dinner on Sunday and Saturday night had a barbeque with all my brothers and their families and dad and Ann. Needless to say, I am sure I gained weight even though Julie and I walked almost every morning. I LOVE the weather in Arizona (except in the middle of summer). We went swimming one day and I got a little color on my white bod and we went shopping several times and I bought some cute tops and capris for this summer. I bought some cute Lucky jeans too. I keep wanting to buy some designer jeans but I have to lose 8 pounds before I will allow myself that pleasure. Anyway it was a great trip. I would have liked to stay a little longer but had to head home with two cute boys to babysit them while Kelly went to meet Jody in Delaware. Ammon got chopsticks at Pei Wei the night before we left and puts them in the back waistband of his shorts and never takes them out. They are his swords. He wore his ninja mask all the way home so everyone on the planes were laughing at him!

THERE'S A NEW BATMAN IN TOWN

Ammon's gone on to other things, namely Ninja Turtles. He's usually Michelangelo or Donatello. He always asks me if I can see his shell. He also packs around 2 swords in the back of his shirt. He is so funny, so into it. He watches Teenage Muntant Ninja Turtles and acts out each scene. Now that the cape is not being used, Cohen has adopted it. He runs around with his arms in back yelling, "Batman!" Two adorable boys.

SLOWLY BUT SURELY

Here's the latest pictures of the house as of today. Ray kind of took about 2 weeks off so it has slowed down. I hope he's back on task because I can't wait!

Happy Birthday Julie!!

I am just sneaking this in under the wire. It is still March 29th and that means it is still my sister Julie's birthday. She is an amazing sister!! She does so much service for other people - just like my mom did. She is so loving and kind to everyone that I am sure there are about 10 people who count her as their "best" friend. I love spending time with her, hoping more of her goodness will rub off on me. Unfortunately, she has a rather "slow" sister who wrote 3/28 all day and thought her birthday was tomorrow! She didn't even get a phone call from me today because I planned to call tomorrow. What a dummy! Hope you had a great day, Julie! I love you very, very much!!

JET LAG

I am just now recovering from my trip to London. I returned over a week a go and my sleep patterns have finally returned to normal. The fact that we switched to daylight savings time the day before we traveled to London could have contributed to this extended jet lag. I hate jet lag. You go somewhere, spend two days getting over the jet lag just in time to come home and experience it all over again. Oh well, it was worth it. We had such a great time with Lindsey, Alan and Isobel. London is always fun and beautiful but the best sight to see of all was Izzy. Izzy eating everyones food all the time, Izzy crawling from room to room and Izzy just smiling. Constantly. What an adorable child!! Everywhere we went people were excited to see Miss Isobel. She is a real charmer. My next trip is in 2 weeks to Arizona to see Lindsey and family again (they are going there to tend a niece and nephew) and also to visit my family. Then in May, Lee, Alex and I are going to Kaui to our timeshare. Looks like jet lag is in my future still.

London with the Phillips!

Happy Birthday Kell Bell!

March 17th is special to me because it is the birthday of my dad and also Kelly. I really wanted her to be born on his birthday so after a big turkey dinner on the 16th ( a Sunday and we ate at Kelly's grandparents in Blue Lake), we decided to go for a long walk down to the fish hatchery. Mind you, I had done little or no exercising the entire pregnancy. So we walked down and back, 3-4 miles total. Then I had a "sliver " of all the pies we made (about six). We went home and I finished off a 1 lb. Nestle Crunch bar. Seriously! About an hour later I didn't feel very well and started having cramps. Was it the walk and food orgy or labor?? Finally when the cramping didn't quit, we headed to the hospital. I was so bummed because it looked like she would be born on the 16th. A couple of hours before midnight my contrations pretty much stopped. They started up again after midnight with the help of Pitocin and Kelly was born on the 17th after all. I did spend quite a bit of the labor over an emesis basin though. Moral: don't eat much if you think you might go into labor-it was horrible to be so sick during it!! We had thought we were going to have a boy and would have named him Nathan Patrick after my dad and had a girl's name of Summer but when she was born on St. Patrick's day we decided she needed an Irish name and so she became Kelly.
Kelly never thought she was younger than her Chris, Kasey or her cousins. She was always a step behind them, always independent and SOOO easy! I remember Kasey was only 6 months old when I found out I was pregnant with the 3rd child and remember bawling all the way home from the doctor's office. I called my mom and she told me that Heavenly Father really wanted me to have this baby now and that it would be a special child. And she was right. I now have a theory that 3rd babies are really special because Heavenly Father knows you are going to be busy. Kelly always was easy, right from the start. We used to say we could leave her at home without a babysitter and she'd do just fine. She's always been so independent and confident. We loved watching her play sports. She was so good - tiny but tough!
The best thing though has been having her live by me since she got married (Thanks Jody-you are wonderful for having come here for these past years). I've seen her almost every day. Every weekend we go to town, we share stories about the boys and hang out together. She's one of my best friends (Kasey, Lindsey and Alex are my other ones but they don't live near me). I guess that I will have to go out and find friends my own age now that she if moving. Happy Birthday Kelly-I love you so much and will miss our almost daily contact so much. You are a wonderful mother, wife and daughter and I love you to pieces!! Thank you, thank you, thank you for letting me share these past few "extra" years with you!

p.s. sorry there are no cute pictures but I am posting from London where we are having a great time with Linds and family. Isobel is bsolutely adorable!!

OFF TO MERRY OL' ENGLAND!

Here's the latest picture of the house with a picture of one of the workers, Ammon. He loves to go out every Saturday with Lee and "work". His work considers getting as dirty as he possibly can. Last week he was walking on all fours (he was a dog) through mud puddles, barking. I wish I had had my camera with me that day. It was unbelievable!

We leave on Monday to go to London and visit Lindsey, Alan and Isobel. I am excited to see their new flat, hang out at the amazing parks in London, see "Wicked" again, and play with Izzy! This will be Lee's first real visit there so it will be fun to help show him around. We are going to the Cotswalds too! I love London so it's always fun to go back there. Cheerio!

THE ROOF IS GOING ON THIS WEEK!

Here is the latest picture!

They still haven't put a roof over my bedroom but things are progressing. At least they will be able to work even if it rains now!

WORK CONTINUES SLOWLY DESPITE RAIN

Here is the latest picture of the outside of the house with most of the trusses up except over the bedroom on the left. The rain continues and is hampering the sped of the work. Darn! I did pick out windows yesterday and got books for picking out the rock for the front so some progress was made. I just want it to go faster. Rain, rain, go away. Come again another day-like when my roof is done so they can work anyway!

SNOW DAY!!
Every decade or so we get snow in McKinleyville. Here is the view outside our rental at about 11:00 this morning. There was a lot more snow earlier but I didn't take a picture then. I was taking it easy, having a snow day. That means staying inside, leisurely reading, not exercising, not putting makeup on and not doing my hair. I did finally take a bath and brush my teeth just so I could stand myself.I am in sweats and a sweatshirt and staying warm. I would love to make cinnamon rolls and have hot chocolate but I am on the Cabbage Soup Diet this week and that doesn't fall in that diet. Darn! (I am 2.5 pounds over the goal I set to be at for this time so have to resort to drastic measures). I usually don't fall for extreme diets but have found this works well to jump start a healthier (Weight Watchers) diet or to just lose few more pounds to keep me motivated on WW. I don't make the soup the way they do (it's horrible!) - I just make a regular vegetable soup with cabbage. What I really hate about the weather though is that the builders aren't working on my house!! Oh well, I did finish my taxes today and now I think I'll watch an episode of Oprah I taped, read a good book I'm reading (Snow Flower and the Secret Fan) and take a nap. Oh, and have some cabbage soup and vegetables. Yum.

NEW PICTURES OF THE HOUSE

Here's an update of the house. They framed in the 2nd floor. The trusses go up next week. The pictures show the great room with higher ceiling than the kitchen. The entry is 2 stories high. I wish I had taken pictures of the view from the 2nd floor-it is really gorgeous. Will do that next week! I am getting excited!

DISASTROUS VALENTINE MEAL
Last night Lee had a Stake Presidency meeting so we had dinner reservations at 8:15 pm. We have a restaurant at our local (small, 1 gate) airport that we go to sometimes when it's a last minute thing. It's owned by two couples who went to school with Chris (The Lakey boys, one married Mandy Cherney). We try to support them occassionally even though the food is just "okay". We got there and were seated only to have Mandy ask if we minded being moved to a smaller table about 15 minutes later. No problem. We ordered filets and beer batter prawns. Our salads and bread came and they were good. We waited for our meal to arrive. And waited and waited. An hour later, still no dinner. It got pretty comical as we listened to everyone around us complaining. We kept joking about it and laughing at the absurdity of this small restaurant being so ill prepared. Our waiter even mentioned that we seemed to be having a great time, not knowing that we were laughing at them. Finally, dinner came almost an hour and a half later. Filets were overcooked, marsala sauce on them horrible, mushrooms almost non-exixtent and prawns were not beer battered but in some sickly orange water sauce. But hey, because of the wait, dessert was on them. We took home our carrot cake (didn't want to wait longer) and Lee had some last night and said it matched the meal. Needless to say, the Silver Lining won't see us for another Valentine's meal but at least we didn't feel like we had completely wasted $70 since we like the couples and could at least support them in their venture. If only they would get more cooks..... We did have a wonderful meal of salmon and yellow fin tuna last Friday at Jambalaya in Arcata-a great restuarant!! Next year we'll go there.

WATCHING SUPERMAN, THE MOVIE, WITH SUPERMAN AND CLARK KENT

Ammon spent the night last night with us. It was hilarious. He has been Superman for quite a while now. He always has his Superman cape on (thanks Aunt Kasey). So he has the cape on and we start the movie. He runs out of the room suddenly and reappears with a shirt on over the cape and Grandpa's reading glasses on. Now he's Clark. A little later in the movie he is tearing off the shirt and glasses and has become Superman. He is now standing on the coffee table with his arms up like he is flying. Mind you he is not looking at us to see our reaction he is just totally into character. Just before Superman becomes Clark again, Ammon is redressing with the shirt and glasses. He has the movie completely memorized so that he can dress right on cue. When it was the time that Lois and Superman fly in the sky, he comes over to me and says, "Lois, you need to stand up so we can fly!" So we did. Seriously, it is the funniest experience in the world.

PROGRESS

Last week they got the first floor framed in. It is exciting to see how the rooms are laid out and imagine living in there. I wish I had made some rooms larger but then again, there is only two of us at home and we are supposed to be downsizing.

I need some opinions on lighting for my kitchen. I will have a black square table in the kitchen and kitchen island with granite on it. (white cabinets, black granite) I want pendant lighting over both. Here are my two options. Please let me know what you like best.

#1 Pottery Barn: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p3442/index.cfm?pkey=clgthngpen

I was thinking of three small white pendants over bar, one large over table.

Choice #2-Home Depot: I couldn't get these to pop up. Go to Home Depot and, under lighting , check out -Hampton BayBrushed Nickel w/Frost Glass Island Light
Model EJJ7113 for over the island and Hampton BayBrushed Nickel w/Frost Glass 1 Light Pendant Model CEP8191 for over the table. Let me know.

NEW HOUSE
Go to:http://www.eplans.com/house-plans.hwx/Q/Plan.HWEPL11097
It's a sketch of what our new house supposed to look like when it is done. We changed the floor plan quite a bit so that it has 2 walk in closets in the master bedroom in between the bedroom and master bathroom which now is in the back with a jacuzzi tub and walk in shower. The great room and kitchen are also all open to each other. It is now about 2800 square feet. Some walls went up today-more pictures soon!

IT'S STARTED!!!!
Yes, finally! They've started building our new house. There is an end in sight to searching through boxes in the garage to find things. The pictures above show the site of our house. Hopefully it will be done in 5-6 months depending on the weather. I am just so excited that it has begun. Will keep you posted on updates!

SISTERS
Life is extra good these days. My sister Julie is visiting from Arizona. (If I knew where my camera was I'd post a picture of us together.) Julie is probably the nicest, loving person I know. She takes after my mother. She is always doing things for others and has a million friends. I love her to death. It is so much fun to have someone here to go walking with, out to lunch and the movies. (I do all these things with Kelly too but we have to worry about babysitters somethimes!) We are having so much fun! I love that we can talk about anything, reminisce about our mom, and just giggle together. Sisters are the best. That's why I am so glad I had so many girls so they could have each other and I could share in the fun too! I just wish Julie and I could live close to each other. Maybe someday when we retire, Lee and I can spend part of each year in Arizona. Right now I'm just grateful for this week. Love you Julie!

LOSING THINGS

One of the most annoying things about getting older is that you misplace things all the time. When I was younger, Lee used to askwhere something was and I'd always send him in the right direction. Last week I took a picture of the site of our house which has started and planned to post it. I also took a picture of the entry of a house I wanted to show to our contractor. Now I can't find our camera. It's driving me absolutely crazy!! We are in a rental and I don't have a place for everything but a lot of it is age related. It is the pits. So I will eventually show progress of our house, maybe with a new camera. I also "lost" the closing statement on the sale of our house this summer and needed that for tax purposes. After looking all over I finally went and got another copy from the title company. I'm pathetic.

CHASING THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
I hate the extra 15 pounds on me. I hate the wrinkles and the thinning hair. Getting older is the pits! I have started Weight Watchers after 5 miserable days on the Cabbage Soup Diet(lost 4 lbs.) Now I am ready to think about attacking the wrinkles. Botox or Resylane? Does anyone know someone who has had success with wrinkle remedies? I also am thinking of an eyebrow lift. I'd love a tummy tuck and liposuction but figure I need to be reasonable. I'd love it if insurance would cover major overhauls at a certain age. I can live with tiny boobs but I'm now ready for procedures/surgeries on the other parts of me. First I have to build a house, then I'm going to rebuild me.

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY MOM!
My beloved mother was born on January 18, 1932 in San Francisco. She was born years after her only sister and was doted on from the day she was born. She was beautiful! Many of her teenage pictures looked like a young Elizabeth Taylor. My mother passed awayvery unexpectedly in her sleep on August 8, 2005 while vacationing at Snowbird, Utah with my father. This was an agonizing time for my father, brothers and sister and I that was made bearable only by our faith that families are eternal and that we will be reunited in the future. Time is the great healer. Although I think of her almost every day and miss her numerous phone calls to me and our visits together, I am no longer tearful whenever I think of her. Instead I grin as I think of her beautiful smile, her childlike joy at life and people and her love of her family. My mother was a great example of giving service. She was always making food for people, always giving someone a hug and always trying to lift up someone who was down. She knew no stranger. A family met in an airport, was soon invited to Thanksgiving dinner. She would strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. Her favorite line on vacations was, "And where are you from?" She loved people and people loved her back. Her list for valentines day numbered about 50. Who sends that many cards to people at the age of 70??
I miss her. I love her and I am grateful that she is, and always will be, my mother.

RANDOM RECAP

I think I have not blogged for forever simply because there was too much to blog about over the holidays and I couldn't send pictures since my computer is down. So I am going to just do a general, quick recap so I can get on with my blogging life.

Everyone but Alan came home (California home) for Christmas. Mind you, we are in a small 1500 square foot rental waiting to start build a new house. One room is just storage for the new house pretty much so that leaves about 1200 sq ft. of living space. It was crazy!!! Lots of fun but CRAZY!!! People everywhere, clothes everywhere and toys everywhere. The best part is just watching the grandchildren interact together. So fun. I agree with Kasey though that whole family reunions are best done during the summer when everyone can get outside and do more. But the great part is: Under less than perfect circumstances, we enjoyed each other's company and had plenty of fun and lots of good food.
Kelly and I took Linds to the airport last week and got to spend time with Rona and her girls. Such fun. We love all of them so much and it was great to reconnect. We then went to Packard Children's Hospital to see Tasha and Makynna. Makynna is doing well and it was fun to spend some time with Tasha. Kelly found out she is going to have a girl. Hallelujah!!! It was so fun to be there when she found out.
Some things to look forward to:
Lee and I are going to London in March!
My sister is coming January 26th to spend a week with me!
They are going to start moving some ground around on our land this week and construction should start on the house within a month! Can't wait!!!
Hope you are all having a wonderful new year!!

PLAY DATE
Yesterday I was able to get off work and have a play date with 4 of the most adorable playmates ever. Kaden, Madison, Ammon and Alexa and I spent the afternoon together. For some reason people were cracking up at me everywhere we went. Of course there was just one grandma with a 5 year old and three 3 year olds who were boisterous, running around and all yelling, "Grandma, grandma" all the time. It was a blast! It was truly one of my "ah-ha" moments. (Those are my favorite, most treasured moments). We went to Burger King first where we had lunch and they played in the play area. Then it was off to see Charlotte's Web (definitely a great movie for kids and I enjoyed it too!) Luckily there was only one other woman in the theater so it was okay when the kids roamed a bit (to sit on the front row). I would have two on my lap and one on each side. We got popcorn, sodas and candy and nestled in to watch the movie. One would get off my lap and another would crawl on. All except Kaden. At five , he's a little older. They were great, adorable and all five of us had a wonderful time. Grandma had the most fun though.

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS
AE may have some cute clothes and my girls love the store but I am done with them. Their online site could be the worst ever. I placed an order at Thanksgiving time with them for the things I needed for Christmas which included 2 pair of boots for Lindsey and Alex. They supposedly had trouble verifying my address to my credit card. I don't know why because it has been the same for a while. I waited for my order. No order. I was way too patient and finally called on Dec 9th and was told it had been cancelled. The new sales person was really nice, reordered for me and promised 2 day shipping. At this point two shirts were no longer available but the boots were still on. Whew! I waited 6 days and then called again. Lo and behold they needed to verify my address again but this time had never even notified me there was a problem. The very nice sales person had written my name as Pam Lorg instead of Pam Iorg. I recieved notice today that my order is coming. 2 out of 8 things. No boots. Talk about feeling frustrated. Word to the wise: don't ever order online from AE unless you have plenty of time and don't really want something. (Sorry Lindsey and Alex).

CHRIS TURNS 30!!!

Chris with Sienna, Kasey's little girl

Happy Birthday Chris!

Okay, now I really feel old. My baby boy turned 30 today. Yikes! My first born was born 30 years ago. If feels like he was born maybel 10 years ago, but 30???? I really wanted a boy first. Probably because Lee did. I had always loved the name Christopher so Christopher it was. I remember we were living above his parents garage when I went in labor. I nervously prepared to go to the hospital, filled with excitement. I had a long, long labor of about 12 hours and early on the contractions came one on top of another every couple minutes. I lived in the "go natural" area of Humboldt County and so that is how Chris was born. No epidural. I had some brief respites of pain via Demerol shots but it was still a very, very long day. Chris was finally born-with a cone head! I remember thinking, "He isn't very cute but I'll love him anyway!" And I have loved him so much and he got MUCH cuter!!! I remember one time Chris was about 5 and he ran in really fast and said we needed to close the curtains. Soon after that I heard a fire engine go by. He and an older friend had started a small fire in a vacant field. He was so terrified! I also remember him playing with his friends with dynamite-only it was my tampons! Talk about embarrassing-he'd been all over the neighborhood with them. Chris was very tenderhearted as a child (what happened Chris?). I remember if you stepped on a bug, he'd start crying and say, "You killed my friend." Once when Lee was deer hunting he asked his grandma if there were good deer and bad deer. Unknowingly, grandma Leona said, "No, they are all the same." Chris started bawling in her car. "My dad said he just killed the bad deer!" Somehow he got over that and shot a few deer himself in later years!
Chris was a gifted high school from grade school through high school and we enjoyed watching him play so much. One of his smartest moves was marrying his wife Kalie. She is an amazing girl and they have two beautiful children. Chris has really applied himself in the computer world and done well as a computer geek. I am proud of his many talents and love him so much. Happy Birthday son!

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Yea!! Alex is flying home as I type. She will be here for three weeks. Chris and Kalie come here next weekend. Kasey, Matt and kids get here on the 26th and Lindsey and Isobel arrive on the 29th. Although everyone is coming home for the holidays we will only have one day when we will all be together (minus Alan) - the 30th. I am not complaining though. I get to see everyone of my children and every grandchild. Bliss. That is what the holidays are all about for me. Fun family times together!

SEATTLE CUTIES

We just got back from Seattle yesterday on a visit to Chris and Kalie's and Madison and Kyle. They are so cute! Kyle really knows who we are and would come to us all the time. I expecially love his cute little shy smile. Adorable! He doesn't say much, smiles continually and is the biggest explorer and climber ever. He is always on the move! Madison may be the smartest little three year old ever (is that a grandmother talking?). She is really amazing in her problem solving abilities, puzzle solving and memory. I had a great time with them and so much fun with Kalie. We went to an amazing Christmas light show, out to eat, and shopping and had a great time. Kalie is just like my other four girls and so it is so comfortable and fun to be around her. And did I mention what a great mother she is? She is the most talented woman I know. She has painted her house, made shelves in the garage, tiled (yes I said tiled) her bathroom, and put up crown molding. Amazing. Lee had a blast going to a Sonics game. They had Bill Gates seats that Chris won at a work raffle. Lee was in heaven. All in all, it was a great trip. I've been on the go for 2 months now. Work one week, travel the next, etc. I think I'm home for a few months now. Time to get to work on building a new house.

DISCLAIMER

Okay, now that Kasey has outed me as a person who "hates" Christmas, I need to offer this disclaimer. I love so much about the Christmas season-the smells, the songs, the decorations, the way people are so much happier and nicer to each other and, of course, all the yummy food!! I love that it is the time of year when so may people try to be more Christ-like and think about Him and the exemplarary life he led. What I don't like is how Santa has become the man of the season and gift giving and receiving the main event. What I don't love is the way it's commercialized and how women, especially, feel they have to do it all: decorate to the hilt, get out the proverbial Christmas letters with cards, shop for everyone, do the grocery shopping and cooking, clean, figure out what unique item to get friends, neighbors and relatives, and then wrap them up beautifully, etc, etc, etc. I have spent many a season trying to make the season "magical" for everyone else and ended up stressed and exhausted and not enjoying it at all. My message for all is: It is a wonderful, magical time of the year-just don't make yourself believe that you have to do everything to make it such. Maybe one year you concentrate on decorating, the next year cooking, the next year the cards and letters. Give yourself a break and permission to enjoy the season too. When I quit doing the cards and letters, made a deal with friends to not do the perennial gift giving to each other and decided to cut back on my decorating I found I had more time to read about Christ (the reason for the season), meditate about peace on earth and especially peace with my relationships and look for ways to serve and give to others in simple ways. I have given myself permission to really enjoy the holidays without having to be Perfect Pam. So if you are feeling stressed, cut out some of the busy-ness and have a Merry Christmas!

P.S. My idea of a great Christmas would be to just have family all together, share a great meal (sounds like Thanksgiving-my favorite holiday) and spend all the money we'd spend on presents on adopting a child from World Vision or some other worthy organization. Just a thought,family, for a future Christmas.

Happy Birthday Lee!! Lee turns 55 today-unbelievable!! I think he is undoubtedly the youngest looking and acting 55 year old around. I remember seeing a shirt on a trip to Germany that said, "Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional". I should have bought it for him. Not that he isn’t mature but he has more fun in life, enjoys sports, hunting, etc, and goofs off like he is still 20. He still manages to pound (his words) the college guys at Healthsport on a daily basis in basketball that he plays on his lunch hour. He hunts as much as he can, fishes, and even snowboards (and keeps up with Chris and Jody). It is no wonder there is not an ounce of fat on his lean body. And yes I am jealous, big time. He spends every Saturday with his best pal, Ammon. They do whatever Ammon wants. All day long. I wish the other grandboys lived closer so they could have fun with him. He is an amazing grandfather. I remember when our kids played sports, he would travel anywhere to watch them play. I am sure that with 5 children you could count on one hand the games he missed. And if he had to miss one because of job or church obligations, you would think the world was going to end. He has been an amazing father. Presently his time consumed by his duties as 1st Counselor in the Stake Presidency. He has been a Bishop, Branch President, High Councilor, Seminary teacher, etc. and willingly and very competently fulfilled those duties. He is a dynamic speaker and is so friendly and supportive to the members of our Stake. He is an amazing Priesthood holder. He has a very crazy sense of humor that sometimes drives me to distraction but is never boring. He has always been a loving and supportive husband and I love him very much! I’ve even been beating him in cribbage lately! Happy birthday, honey!! Almost 32 years together-crazy, huh? Senior citizen discounts start now. Yahoo!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Time for my absolutely favorite holiday! All about family and the things we are grateful for which for me is family #1 of course. No decorating, no presents to buy, no commercialization. I love it. It's all about family, gratitude and, of course, turkey -my favorite meal- can't wait!! I don't even mind cooking the turkey and trimmings....ymmmm! We are in the most beautiful setting for our holiday this year. We are staying at the Cliff Lodge in Snowbird and there is snow on the mountains and it is gorgeous! I drove out with Kelly, Jody, Ammon and Cohen last Friday. We spent the night in Elko and arrived on Saturday. It was so great to see Alex again! Chris, Kalie, Madison and Kyle got here Tuesday morning and Lee got here that night after shooting a big elk in Montana. Matt and Kasey and family surprised everyone and came at the last minute to visit his family and ours today. All we need is Lindsey, Alan and Izzy to be complete. We are so blessed to have so much family here with us to celebrate this special time. I just came in from watching Madison and Ammon sledding down a tiny hill. Hilarious! They are fearless and loving it. Kyle likes to "swim" in the snow and Cohen just likes to wander. Can't wait till Kaden, Alexa, and Sienna get up here. How grateful I am for the good things in my life: my wonderful family, precious granchildren, great husband, good friends and the Gospel that makes it all more meaningful. Hope each of you has a wonderful Thanksgiving as you celebrate with those you love most!

IT'S KASEY'S BIRTHDAY!!!!!! NOVEMBER 16th!
Kasey with Alexa and Kaden in Kaui 2005 Kelly, Chris and Kasey
Kasey at another Birthday (center) with Kelly and Lindsey

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KASEY!!
My beautiful Kasey was born 28 years ago on November 16, 1978. She was a beauty right from the start. I remember them handing her to me and thinking -" Wow! That is one beautiful little baby. And she's mine!! Sad to say, I wasn't keeping even a lame journal at the time she was born so I don't have any exact thoughts to share. I remember we were living above Lee's parents garage though when I went in labor in the early morning hours. I woke Lee up and we hurried to Eureka, about 20 minutes away. I was in full blown labor by the time they put me in the wheelchair, panting and blowing away. It must have been a full moon because the maternity ward was packed. They put me on a guerney in the hall behind some folding screens and I labored away for about another 45 minutes then off to delivery. Kasey was born in 3 hours from start to finish. Nice.
Kasey was an adorable child, very helpful with the younger children and very smart. At the age of 2 she decided her name was "Butch" and would answer that when asked what her name was. That stuck as a nickname till she got about 10 and hated it.
One thing I remember about Kasey is her hilarious statements to us! One night Lee said to her (she was 5), "I just have one thing to say to you Kasey-you're my girl and I love your!" Her response was, "That's two things." He then kissed her three times and as he left her room she said, "I'm wiping two of those off!" My mom read Kasey a story about being a good loser and then asked Kasey if she was a good loser. Kasey thought about it a minute and replied, "I'm a good winner!" Typical Kasey.
At the age of 11 she complained of headaches and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It was a benign astrocytoma but we spent 2 scary weeks in Oakland's Children's hospital. Her courage during this time was exceptional and her complete acceptance of having her hair shaved amazed me. She even decided to not wear the wig we bought her and just went around beautifully bald. I have always been so grateful she survived the experience of brain surgery and definitely felt the effects of prayer and Priesthood blessings at that time.
Kasey has been such a wonderful daughter and friend. I just got back from Iowa and always enjoy our times together. She is a great mother, wife, sister, and daughter. I am so proud of who she has become and so grateful to have her as my daughter. Have a wonderful day honey. I love you very, very much!!!

P.S. Sorry the pictures aren't the best - I have better ones somewhere but we are living out of boxes right now!

PERFECT SIENNA, DITZY DIVA, AND A BIRTHDAY BOY
Last week I was lucky enough to get away for a few days to Iowa and visit Kasey and family. Now Iowa's not the most exciting place in the world to visit but as I chased down Alexa and Kaden in their car (Alexa was driving and it was insane!) I couldn't help but think-it doesn't get any better than this-spending time with my grandchildren!!! They were so cute and hilarious. Sienna is just...perfect. She smiles ALL the time. If she catches your eye, she bursts into the cutest smile with the cutest left sided dimple. I adore her. Alexa is our ditzy diva-she is one absolutely hilarious 3 year old going on 13 year old . She would chatter away to me as if we were teenage friends or BFF's. She always wanted to be with me, have me buckle her in, nap with her, whatever. The things she would tell me were hilarious-at least what I understood, she talks so dramatically and so fast that I only get about 1/2 of it! Kaden turned 5 while I was there and he is a very intelligent and sweet boy. He tries to not act too excited that his grandma is there but I did hear him tell a friend at school when we went to lunch, "That's my grandma!" He also quietly let me know he wanted me to take a nap with him sometime too. It was so cute that he had noticed Alexa's monopolizing of me. He was the first grandchild and holds a special place in my heart. I am fortunate to take several vacations to many interesting and tropical places but nothing beats the absolute joy of being around little ones who call me Grandma or GranPam and just want to hang with me. Pure bliss.
P.S. It's an added bonus to spend time with Kasey and Matt. Kasey and I had a lot of fun and got a lot done in a short time. I taught her basic sewing, we had lunches out, shopped and revamped her bedroom coverings.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEX!!
Alex is 19 today-hard to believe!! Hope you have a wonderful day-wish you were here so I could fix your special birthday dinner. Your first birthday away from home, so sad...

Here's what I wrote in my journal on 1/12/87: "Lee and I decided last night to have another baby. If all goes as it has in the past, I should be pregnant this time next month. It's taken a while to come to this decision. We are real comfortable with the four we have now and it's so easy to do things. I have been reading lots of church books and scriptures lately and have come to believe that we have no good reason to not have more children. I'm not too old, I'm healthy, we can afford more and can give a child a good, loving home and the Gospel. It finally seemed to very selfish and ungrateful to not have another child. Since I came to this conclusion I have felt so peaceful and excited about a new baby. " Alex was born 10 months later on 11/3/87 in Fortuna, California. She was my only epidural birth so it is truly a blissful memory. I started going into labor on Nov. 2nd in the evening and since we were 45 minutes away (I wanted a certain doctor so was willing to go the distance), I went in to be evaluated and the contractions stopped. They decided to keep me overnight and start me on Pitocin in the morning. I had an IV started in the about 1:00 with Pitocin, then the epidural and literally felt nothing until it was time to push her out at 3:15. I was playing cards and laughing on the video most of the time. A great experience-much different than my 4 previous childbirths. This is what I wrote about her that day: "She's a dinker-5 lbs. 13 1/2 ounces - so cute! We named her Alexandra Lee and will call her Ali or Alex- all I can say is, why did I wait so long to have another one? I love her to pieces!! Everyone is crazy over her and is always hanging around waiting for her to wake up so they can hold her!"

Alex has been a pure delight for Lee and I. She has always been confident, usually happy and very, very mellow. I used to say I could count on one hand the times she got upset with me. It's gone over to the second hand now. I'm not sure if she's not as mellow or I'm just more frustrating. When she was born the couple in the room next to us had a boy and I remember Lee asking if they wanted to trade. The funny thing is Lee has been so attached to Alex since she was born. She used to call him every day at work and want to know what they were going to do that day. He made her sack lunches every day and would draw pictures on the bags. Everything was centered on Alley Cat. The worst thing that happened in his life is that she grew up. I remember him playing Barbies with her, their riding bikes together after his work and her sitting almost on his lap in his truck. He about died when she turned 10 and all of that suddenly ended, on her part. She dropped him like a bad habit and he still hasn't gotten over it. The best part for me was that was when she became my girl. We have shopped together, gone to the lake together, gone to movies and lunches, amusement parks, Lion King, Wicked, Back Street Boys and 'N' Sync concerts and watched tons of reality tv together. It has been so fun and I miss her so much. She's always been my excuse to have a great time.
I am so proud of how strong in the gospel she's been and what a great example she's been to everyone around her. She is smart, beautiful and fun to be around. I love you so much, Alex. Have a wonderful birthday!

MISSING ALEX
Lee is gone to China on business for 10 days. I never really minded Lee going on trips before. It was my time to do what I wanted to do when i wanted to do it. I wouldn't cook and the kids and I would go out to eat. Alex and I would do lots of "girl stuff" when he would leave. Watch stupid, ridiculous reality shows like The Bachelor and know Lee wouldn't walk in and make a rude comment on how shallow we were, go out to dinner, shop,catch a movie, etc. It was just easy, relaxed girl time and I loved it. This week I've watched all those shows to my heart's content but it hasn't been near as much fun. Today was the parade for Homecoming. I remember watching Alex as a candidate last year. I didn't go to the parade this year. I miss going to her games, having her friends drop by, hearing her car drive up and hearing her getting ready for bed in the next room. I'm rambling around in this house by myself most of the time, having plenty of quiet time but something is missing. Alex. I miss you tons honey, please call more often.
P.S. To everyone with children-Enjoy. It goes by so quickly. It's great and fun to have time to do what you want to do but NOTHING beats having children at home. Chris, Kasey, Kelly, Lindsey and Alex - come home! I love you.

BUZZ
Ammon has been talking about this Buzz Lightyear costume continually. He's way into Toy Story. I picked it up at K-Mart yesterday since it went on sale. Today I was watching him and Cohen so Kelly could have a much needed day to herself. When he got home from preschool I told him I had a surprise for him. He was so excited he was almost shaking. I told him he was really going to like it and he said, "Buzz Lightyear????" Needless to say, the clothes were off and Buzz was in costume immediately. He then thought we should call his teacher and mom and tell them all about it.

ADDICTIONS
The word addiction means:
Addiction is an uncontrollable compulsion to repeat a behavior regardless of its consequences. A person who is addicted is sometimes called an addict.
I am presently addicted to two things. the first is the tv show 24. Yes I know it is not on the fall schedule (due to come back in January though) but I am presently watching it on DVD. And I mean watching it as much as I can. I have been averaging about 4-5 episodes a day. Lee left for China yesterday so I can watch it more now. I keep telling myself to just watch 1-2 episodes but then the episode I watch keeps me hanging and I have to watch another. Is Kim Bauer the most unfortunate teen in the world? I mean, come on, can anyone get caught up in more terrifying circumstances and have such a good attitude about it? It really is completely unrealistic but I keep going back for more. I even start looking at people in the community a little differently, less trusting. Okay, I need to watch more reality tv and less Jack Bauer.
I always have a food addiction and it's always sweets. Some of my past food addictions are chocolate covered Hershey eggs at Easter, kissable candies, Mike and Ikes, Hot Tamales, Reese's, and many other treats. Presently I am hooked on Haagen Daaz English Toffee ice cream. I love it. I buy a small pint and say it will last 4 days. It doesn't. I am lucky if it lasts two days. Safeway was out of it two days ago so I bought Dreyer's Heath Bar Crunch which I previously loved. It's good but doesn't compare. Every night after I've eaten too much of my present food addiction I say, " You really need to lose 10 pounds. Stop eating those treats. Tomorrow I will journal my food and will only eat what fits into the points system." Then tomorrow comes, my addicition hits and I'm opening up that carton of ice cream for just a teaspoon, then a small cup, and then one more cup full. I'm pathetic!! What's your addictions?

http://www.myheritage.com

This was Saturday morning when Woody reminded me (Jesse) that I needed to put on my hat before I made him pancakes. I stayed up till 1230 watching 24 on CDs and of course he woke up at 6:30 this morning! Jesse looks tired!


FRIDAY NIGHTS
I'm not sure who enjoys Friday nights at our house more. Is it Ammon, Lee or me? Or should I say, is it Buzz Lightyear, Woody or Jesse? That is our roles for most Friday nights. Woody and Jesse pick up Buzz every Friday for a sleepover. He just got a new cowboy hat for a cowboy themed party tomorrow though and the roles have been reversed. Tonight he's Woody (because he has the cowboy hat), Lee is Buzz and I'm still Jesse. He puts his hat on and says, "Howdy Pardmer (yes with a m) over and over again. I keep finding him checking himself out in our mirror too-he thinks he's pretty hot. I asked him who he was sleeping with tonight because when he comes over there is just not enough room for all of us in the queen bed. He told me he was sleeping with Buzz (as usual) and Jesse could sleep in the other room. Tomorrow Lee is going golfing early so I will be making the pancakes. Life is great on Friday nights. I just wish Kaden, Madison and Alexa could come over on the weekend too. I love the four youngest but the weekends are tailor made for the older ones right now. In too short a time they will move on and it will be the little ones who want to be Buzz, Woody, Jesse, or perhaps a princess. It's great to be a grandparent!

WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS STAYS IN VEGAS
I am off to Sin City with my buddy Toni. She owns a Scrapbooking store in Redding, Ca. and goes to a scrapbooking tradeshow every year in Las Vegas and this year I'm going along for the fun and the chance to spend time with her. We became friends about 23 years ago when they lived in McKinleyville. We used to spend tons of time together. We'd even do all our major grocery shopping together. I remember piling our kids into one vehicle and then going to the Bakery Thrift Shop, Canned Food Outlet and Mark and Save grocery store. It made the dreaded job of grocery shopping bearable and actually fun. She moved to Redding in 1989 but luckily our friendship survived the move. Through the years we've gone on a few trips together, met at the lake or gone to one another's homes. I've never met any other person I can enjoy so much or feel so comfortable around besides family. One of the greatest things has been the development of Alex's friendship with Shelby (and Whitney). It has been so fun to see our friendship passed onto the next generation. Alex just wishes Shelby were older so she could be with her at Provo right now.

Well I didn't finish this post before I got there and I was way too busy in Vegas to do it! We had a great time-who knew a scrapbooking tradeshow could be so much fun!! There were tons of companies with exhibits offering samples, food (the best was one who had homemade caramels!) and make and takes -where you make a little album, card, frame, etc using their goods. We also got some freebies from different companies. The tradeshow was held at the Sands Convention Center and we parked at the Venetian (http://www.Venetian.com) and had to walk through it to get to the tradeshow. It is an amazing hotel-they have done a great job of recreating Venice.
We had a great dinner there the last night at Wolfgang Puck's restaurant Postrio.
The night before we went and saw Mama Mia at the Mandalay Bay Resort. http://www.mama-mia.com . We ate at another Wolfgang Puck restaurant Trattoria del Lupa. The musical and the dinner were great! The first night we ate at PF Chang's so needless to say, we enjoyed our dinners plus Haagen Daas and many other treats. We had so much fun together we decided this will be an annual trip-Viva Las Vegas!!

IT'S LINDSEY'S BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Baby Lindsey with the crazy hair!

Lindsey's 1st birthday
Lindsey at 4
Lindsey and Kelly in high school

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDSEY!!
Lindsey joined our family 23 years ago on October 5, 1983. I remember waking up in the early morning hours and realizing I was in labor. We set off to Mad River Hospital only to have my labor slow down. They sent me off walking in the halls and around the grounds until labor got serious. Finally, they admitted me. I had had 3 children previously without an epidural. Note: we live in an area that was very slow to get epidurals. Lots of hippies here (yes, honestly!) and everything is very pro natural, including childbirth. After hearing my relatives great stories about epidurals, I was determined with the 4th child to have one. I bugged my OB incessantly until he found an anesthesiologist who would do one. Only thing is he arrived when I was almost completely dilated. Oh well, I had one for the delivery and that was much easier anyway. We also didn't have a clue what we were having prior to the delivery (I know, the dark ages). This is what I wrote in my journal that day: "Well, Lindsey Lee iorg was born today at 2:09 pm - what a beauty! Dark hair, big eyes and a cute, pudgy body. She was a shocker though-everyone fully expected a little boy but the moment i saw her I knew she was meant to be ours!" She was a beautiful baby and has been a source of joy since that day. Always full of life, affectionate, and crazy and extremely confident. How many times has a family member mentioned that they broke the mold when they made Lindsey or wondered who the heck she would marry. And so when she found Alan who lived in London and began a overseas courtship it all made sense. Of course, she would do something different (and wonderful too). Lindsey is still crazy, still affectionate and still full of life. I love you so much Lindsey-you and your 3 sisters are my best friends. I am so proud of the woman you have become. You are a wonderful daughter, loving wife and fantastic mother. How grateful I am to have you in my life. Happy, happy birthday!

I JUST DON'T GET IT
I loved Conference this weekend. I am always amazed at the sincerity of the General Authorities and their amazing Spirit. As I listened to the many messages of hope and inspiration, the thought came to me that I just don't understand how people can be so critical of an organization that teaches it's members so many good things. We all know people who have left the church and then are so critical of its teachings or people of other denominations who spend so much time trying to tear down the Mormon church. It is amazing to me that they spend so much time tearing down a church that encourages good, healthy living, families, and living a Christ-like life - all incredibly good things. Even if a person didn't believe in a Restoration, Joseph Smith or a living prophet, what is there to knock? What is there to tear down? How does it hurt an unbeliever that people want to live virtuous, healthy, Christ-like lives? It just doesn't make sense. I just don't get it. Then again, what would Satan most like to have done to that organization that is so against what he tries to do?? Maybe I do get it.