Sassafrass

Farewell 2011...you were a good ship.

2011-12-31T21:49:00.001-06:00

2011 was a year of miracles and a year of change for me for which I am so blessed and grateful. Following is just a short list of things I am thankful for to remind me on the hard days to have a better attitude because I am truly blessed beyond measure.

1. Family. Without my family I wouldn't and I couldn't have done so many of the things that I accomplished this year. A special shout out to my parents who I owe so much and I can't even begin to express the impact they have had on my life. I don't know where I would be without their kindness, patience, love and devotion. I especially want to thank my Mom who has been my rock and my support the last few years as I've battled the 2nd round of kidney failure. I always knew that my mom loved me but I think this year I finally got it. I understood that she would literally do anything for me. She stayed up all night the day of my transplant and stayed even longer. I am pretty sure my Dad didn't get a lot of sleep either. I love you both. Thanks also to my siblings and their husbands and fiancee. I couldn't have done another transplant without you. Seriously. I love you to the moon and back.

2. Friends. I have so many friends to thank and I don't want to thank anyone by name because you are all special to me. You enrich my life in ways that I can't repay you. Vanessa especially has been there for and with me to hell and back these past two years. I couldn't have done it with out. Thanks for being there...and being there...and being there. Thanks for staying all night during the transplant when I know you need your beauty sleep. You are my 3rd sister and I love you.

3. The Gospel. Teaching Seminary this year has helped my understand of the gospel grow in ways that it hasn't before. I learn so much more than I could ever teach to my sleepy students. But it is such a blessing to me to be able to study myself and gain new understanding. I am so grateful to know that Heavenly Father loves and knows me. And that His Son died for me so I could live with them and with my Family forever. Its very comforting and when you have faced death multiple times it only becomes more cemented in your mind that you want to live so you can be with them.

4. My Health. I am so, so blessed that a family, in their hour of pain and suffering, allowed one of their mother's kidneys to be given to me. I feel so much better than I did and I have so much more energy. I was even out raking leaves today. (Granted it was 65 here) I can do the things I want and I am looking forward to doing more. I am trying every day to take care of this gift and to remember exactly what it was..a gift.

5. Passing the AAPC exam with an 88%. AAPC is the Academy of Professional Coders and the test was 150 questions and was 5 hours and 40 minutes long. Coders do much of the behind the scenes work in a doctors office. There is more to it than that but I won't bore you with the details.

2011 was a great year and I expect 2012 to be even better.

I hope that everyone out there in blog land will think about their blessings from 2011 and reflect on how they changed you. I know that mine changed me and I am beyond blessed for it.

Happy New Year!

Margaret's Birthday

2011-10-15T07:38:00.000-05:00

I guess late is better than never but we just uploaded the pictures from Margaret's 30th birthday bash and I wanted to share with my lovely readers!

I had Mom and Dad help me separate the candies into colors. We had Skittle, M&M's and Reese's Pieces to do. They are such great helpers!

A close up of Dad working on the Skittles.

Mom working on Reese's Pieces.

We made a collage of pictures of Margaret through the years. It was fun to look at and remember all the times we had as kids and growing up. I could have lived without pictures of myself included.

I think its so fun to have big number balloons for a big birthday!

My Mom and Xiao Hua cut these letters out, laminated them and put magnets on the back. I loved that it greeted everyone as they came to the party.

The dolls on the table are Margaret's My Kid Sister and My Little Buddy dolls from when she was younger. The girl is named Candy and the boy Cory. Margaret took those dolls with her everywhere even when we went on vacation. We had a pop up trailer when we were younger and Mom made them their own little sleeping bag.

The Reese's Piece's, Good and Plenty's and M&M's. I put them in pretty dishes/containers as well. I think they look good. My handmade signs, not so much but it worked.

Gummy bears, Swedish Fish, Sour Patch Kids and Skittles.

Of course we had to have cotton candy individually bagged of course because I am that crazy!

We had a really great time at the party with lots of family, friends and great food. I enjoyed doing my first candy bar and I would probably do it again for another event sometime. We also had a pinata and the kids that attended enjoyed doing that. After everyone arrived my camera got forgotten so I am sorry no pictures of actual people.

It was great to throw this party for Margaret and I know she had a great time. She always does when we are celebrating her birthday!

Connections

2011-10-04T07:38:00.000-05:00

The theme for this post has been rolling around in my head for probably a few weeks if not months now. Obviously since it has been so long since I last posted, I haven't felt the need to actually write it out. But I have been busy so that is what it is.

Anyway, I have been thinking a lot about connections and the connections we have with people specifically. I have found myself in the last year not keeping up the connections I have made with family and friends. Is it because I don't have a great way to communicate? Of course not. I think that maybe we have too many ways to communicate. I could Facebook you, call you, email you, send you a text and the list goes on and on. But does that really help us to establish connections with each other?

All of this technology is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because we can be closer and know what is going on better. My nephew who lives far away from me can still talk to me whenever he or I want. We could get on Skype and see each other. What a great blessing it is that he can know me even when he is little. When we lived away from Utah when I was little, I didn't know my aunts and uncles like I did when we moved back to Utah. Sometimes its a curse because we think that just doing the small things like sending a message or a text will replace face to face contact.

Recently, some friends and I started spending more time together face to face and I am loving it! How wonderful it is to go to their house, feel the spirit that resides there and have a real conversation. Don't get me wrong, I still send them texts, write on Facebook and email but just seeing their expressions, the tone of their voices and their love for me was priceless.

Does technology have a place in our lives? Yes, it does but does it sometimes replace what is meant to be a human experience we are having on the earth? Maybe it does sometimes. I am as guilty as anyone for not nurturing those relationships to the best of my ability. I am trying. I am trying to make more meaningful connections with my family and my friends.

I am reminded of a talk in General Conference that struck me especially hard. I feel like I have no time to finish school, prepare Seminary lessons, do meal planning etc but I have the same amount of time as everyone else. Am I using my time wisely? Am I spending my limited time on things that have worth? Am I really doing my personal scripture study or just sliding by?

It is a personal conversation that we each need to have with ourselves and have often. I need to reevaluate how I spend my time and do a better job at managing it. If I do that, I can make those connections that I want more meaningful and be the kind of daughter, sister and friend I want to be.

First Day

2011-08-17T10:53:00.000-05:00

Today was the first day of Seminary and only 159 days to go! I kid. But seriously, things went as well as can be expected especially since I don't feel like I am quite in the groove yet.

I arrived early and began setting up only to realize that I had left my nicely typed lesson plan at home along with other things I was going to chat with the students about. FAIL. But I wrote a few things down quickly and figured I could probably wing it pretty well.

Some of my favorite things that happened:

One student wanting to stand for the class. I made him sit down with the rest of us.

Two of my freshmen who like to giggle like girls--together. They may be getting separated one of these days. We will see how tomorrow goes.

Singing "As Zion's Youth in Latter Days" with Zion's youth.

Talking about becoming a Zion class.

I think its going to be a great year and I am looking forward to many more adventures in the coming weeks.

Little L and Little G

2011-08-11T17:49:00.001-05:00

For your viewing pleasure, pictures of my sweet niece and nephew.

Lydia and her mom mugging for the camera.

Not quite sure what the G is doing here as I didn't get to go on this adventure but he still looks cute!

The little girl on a cow.

And in a teepee.

I probably bought her that shirt.

He looks pretty proud of himself doesn't he?

I just love these kids. They are truly the light of my life and I enjoy every minute that I get to spend with them, doing things for them or just talking to them.

One week more..

2011-08-09T21:02:00.000-05:00

of sleeping in
not preparing lessons every day
not thinking about Seminary 24/7
being submerged in the scriptures. Oh wait. Already doing that.

Seminary starts in exactly one week from today and I am kind of freaking out. Will the kids like me? Will their parents? Will they learn what they need to learn? Will I be a good teacher? How will I adjust to teaching in a home instead of teaching at the church building? Who will come? Will they stay awake? Can I make the Old Testament exciting, interesting and new to teenagers? ACK!

AND I have to still assemble lots of things and get things ready and I feel like its going to be here before I know it. Parent meeting on Sunday. I will keep you posted.

Book Worm Wednesday

2011-08-03T20:18:00.000-05:00

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

I have always enjoyed books about vampires, witches and the like long before they became popular from books like Twilight etc. I had first read about this book in my Entertainment Weekly and I wanted to buy it for quite some time. When I got my Nook I figured it was a great time to try out not hauling around a 500 plus page book with me.

It was a quick read and one I found myself reaching for instead of getting bored. The characters were well developed and the setting was one that was believable besides the fantasy aspect of the book.

Barnesandnoble.com summarizes the book this way:

A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together.

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

Book Worm Wednesday

2011-07-27T08:00:00.022-05:00

Its been far too long since I have done a Bookworm Wednesday so for your reading pleasure here is a report on something I have read recently.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

I really enjoyed this book for a few reasons. One, it was well written and had a good plot line. Two, it contained not only a story but pictures to go along with the story. Kind of interesting pictures of people doing seemingly impossible things. The pictures are from the early 20th century I think but go along with the story so well.

The author says this at the end of the book regarding the pictures:

"All the pictures in this book are authentic, vintage found photographs, and with the exception of a few that have undergone minimal post processing, they are unaltered. They were lent from the personal archives of ten collectors, people who have spent years and countless hours hunting through giant bins of unsorted snapshots at flea markets and antiques malls and yard sales to find a transcendent few, rescuing images of historical significance and arresting beauty from obscurity--and most likely, the dump. Their work is an unglamorous labor of love, and I think they are the unsung heroes of the photography world."

I am not sure what category to throw this book into. Its fantasy but also maybe a little science fiction. I think that teens would like this book as well as adults.

Barnesandnoble.com summarizes the book in this way:

A mysterious island.

An abandoned orphanage.

A strange collection of very curious photographs.

It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone and I think it would appeal to many ages.

Sunday Dinner

2011-07-24T22:06:00.000-05:00

For the last couple of months I have really started to enjoy cooking and making new recipes. For tonight's Sunday dinner I subjected my family to yet another experiment in my quest to find new recipes.

Our menu was:
Stuffed chicken breasts
Corn
Salad
Cut up Nectarine (the nectarines were getting quite ripe so I cut them up and put them on the table)
Rhode's Rolls
Dessert: Blueberry Rocho.

I will share the Chicken breasts and blueberry rocho here for your enjoyment. I apologize for the lack of pictures but hopefully I will be able to add pics soon because we are getting a cable that plugs right into the camera and computer. So stay tuned for that.

Stuffed chicken breasts
Ingredients:
4-6 chicken breasts. (The recipe called for them to be butterflied but I just pounded them with my mallet.)
8 oz of cream cheese (I used the chives and onion flavor. If you don't, add some chives to the mix)
1 clove garlic minced
Bacon (probably one slice per chicken breast and you will want to precook these)
Dash of onion powder (or salt whichever you like better)
Mozzarella cheese (one to two slices per breast)
Eggs
Breadcrumbs

Mix together the cream cheese, garlic and onion powder. Set aside.
Pound chicken breasts so they are thinner (about 1/2 inch thick or so) I sprinkled on some meat tenderizer before I pounded them. Once they are to your liking, sprinkle on whatever spices you would like. I used Lawry's seasoning.
Spread some of the cream cheese mixture on the inside of the breast. Crumble on the bacon and add slices of cheese.
Roll up and secure with toothpicks.
Beat eggs and dip chicken in egg then in breadcrumbs. Put into a baking dish.
Bake in oven at 400 degrees for about an hour. (might be less if your breasts aren't as thick as mine were.)
Enjoy!

Famous Prize Winning Blueberry Rocho
1 lb cream filled vanilla cookies (I used Golden Oreos)
3/4 cube butter or margarine
1 cup powdered sugar
2 eggs (separate yolks from whites)
1 can pie filling (cherry, blueberry or strawberry)
1 cup chopped nuts--any type will work fine.
1 cup heavy whipping cream

Crush cookies and spread all but about 1/2 cup on the bottom of a 9X13 glass dish.
Cream butter, sugar and egg yolks until light and fluffy. Beat egg whites until stiff. Fold in the egg whites to the creamed mixture and spoon over cookie crumbs then spread out.
Cover with the pie filling.
Whip the whipping cream. (Watch to make sure it doesn't turn to butter, it should be stiff)
Sprinkle with nuts and cover with the whipping cream. Sprinkle remaining cookie crumbs on top.
Chill several hours.

Enjoy!

Prednisone I hate you

2011-07-20T22:15:00.000-05:00

I decided to start another blog that I can just talk about my kidney transplant and things that are going on. Join me there if you are interested in reading more about my medical journey.

The address is: prednisoneihateyou.blogspot.com

Happy Reading!

On the other side...

2011-06-17T11:07:00.004-05:00

As most of you may know I received a kidney a week ago from an unknown donor. I couldn't be happier and I feel so blessed to have this incredible gift of life. I thought I would share the timeline of how things went down for your reading pleasure.

June 10, 2011

6:45 am- I received my first call from the Transplant office offering the kidney. I was asked if I had been sick or on antibiotics. I wasn't told anything about the donor or if I was 1st, 2nd or 3rd in line. I had received a call on April 30th that didn't work out so I didn't get too excited at this point.

7:00 am-Told my mom and she was excited. Dad was out of town in San Francisco working and we were also tending Lydia.

7:15 am-Tried to go back to sleep. Failed.

7:30 am - 2:30pm Watched Lydia and tried not to think about it. Ran a few errands and casually mentioned to my brother that I could go to the Princess Diana exhibit at Union Station tomorrow only if I didn't get a kidney. I think he almost fell out of his chair.

2:30pm- Went to a funeral for a friend from our ward who died of kidney cancer after beating the odds and living nearly five years after his initial diagnosis.

3:00pm- Received 2nd call from Transplant offering the kidney and telling me more about the donor. This donor was a "high risk" donor because she had high blood pressure and died of a stroke. But they were still waiting for the results of the biopsy and to see how the kidney was working on a pump.

3:15pm- Went back to the funeral and tried not to think about it.

4:15pm- Funeral over and I received a beautiful blessing from two members of my ward who were at the funeral. I was blessed that things would go well and that I would be an example to those around me. I felt much, much better after the blessing and felt that I would be able to go through with the surgery.

5:15pm-Got home and got ready to go to the hospital. I threw a few pairs of pajamas etc into a bag with my Nook and mom and I left for the hospital.

6:00pm- Arrived at the Emergency Room of St. Luke's on the Plaza in Kansas City. We still didn't know if the surgery would go through for sure but we were much more hopeful at this point. I was checked in and did all of the necessary pre-tests such as an EKG and chest X-ray. Dr. Randall arrived to say the surgery was a go and the kidney looked great. An IV was started and a few people arrived to wait until I went down to surgery. Margaret was still at girls camp and I told her she didn't need to come down. Ken, Xiao Hua, Vanessa and Mom were on hand to make me laugh and not feel so nervous.

9:30pm- Transport arrived to take me down to the OR so we all went down and my IV wasn't working. They stuck me 3 more times before success was achieved. I said good-bye to my family and was wheeled into the OR. I got onto the table and was asleep probably 3 minutes after getting in there.

11:00pm- First cut on skin and I thankfully don't remember this part.

June 11, 2011

2:00am- Surgery is finished and I am in recovery which I don't remember. Shortly after that I was wheeled to the ICU only because the kidney floor didn't have the one to one staffing that is required for transplant patients for 24 hours after surgery.

I awoke with a horrible dry mouth and in pain but glad that the surgery was over. Ken, Xiao Hua, Vanessa and Mom were there to pat me on the head and talk to me. Apparently I was pretty coherent and talked to them telling them I had to "power through" the pain which I did.

The next few days were awesome as my creatnine continued to drop and drop. The first morning was hard and I cried but we can chalk that up to high doses of prednisone as well. It makes me weepy so just a warning.

When I entered the hospital my creatnine was 11.2. Creatnine is a waste product in the blood that is filtered out by the kidneys so by measuring it you can tell how good kidney function is. Normal people have a creatnine of about .5 to 1.0. The morning of the 11th my creatnine had dropped to 8.5, the next day 6.5, the next day 2.4, then 1.8 and when I left the hospital it was at 1.4. I haven't been at a 1.4 for many years even with my last transplant.

It is still amazing to me how beautiful this gift of life is. My coloring is so much better than it was and I don't look grey anymore. I have a little color to my cheeks. I feel good even though I am in pain I don't feel bad. Its crazy that when you feel so bad for so long you forget how good you can feel. I still can't believe that 2 weeks ago I was on a cruise and not thinking this would happen for another month.

I wrote a letter to the donor family and it will be delivered to them. I hope someday to be able to meet them or at least write letters or e-mail.

There are so many more things I could write but suffice it to say that I am just feeling blessed and feeling the Lord's guiding influence in my life. He is the perfect planner and knew this kidney would work out for me.

Thank you to everyone who has sent love and prayers via any means. You have no idea how much it means to me to have that support. Props to my awesome family and Vanessa who stayed at the hospital and helped me out so much. MAJOR props to my mom who stayed awake for the first 28 hours and has always been my rock. Dad for calling everyday and being the awesome support he is from far away.

Here's to the gift of life!

Going Paperless

2011-05-17T17:52:00.002-05:00

Since my Dad got his Nook I have been contemplating going paperless but I was afraid I wouldn't like it as much as reading an actual book. I was worried that it wouldn't feel the same or I wouldn't have the same experience as holding an actual book in my hands.

Well my friends, I was wrong.

I received a Nook from my parents for my birthday and can I just say how much I. LOVE. IT.? It is one of the best things I have ever had. I can shop and download books so easily now that it is scary.

Reading in bed has become more comfortable and enjoyable. I am looking forward to taking this slim volume with me on the cruise and not the typical 4-5 books I have to take on a vacation.

All in all, thumbs up to e-readers. Everyone was right.

Pork Chop Tuesday

2011-03-22T16:43:00.002-05:00

Many years ago when one of my best friends moved to Kansas City from Utah we shared an apartment. For many weeks we hosted what turned out to be, Pork Chop Tuesday. We would provide the pork chops and perhaps a side and then others would bring something to contribute. For the most part the meal consisted of pork chops, rice, pork chop gravy, a vegetable and rolls. My chocolate chip cookies would often be made to round out our delicious meal.

I am not sure why we picked Tuesdays but I can imagine it would be because Monday was Family Home Evening and Thursday was Institute so that left us with Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I loved hosting these meals and enjoyed seeing my friends eating good food and just being together.

I went to visit my former roommate, RCH, a few weeks ago and made the pork chops again for her. She attempted to make them again last night but has asked that I blogger the recipe for all to share. I am not a picture taking person so please pardon that there are no pictures.

Ingredients:

Pork Chops- You can use any kind you like but my personal favorite are the kind with bones that are thin. But RCH bought a pork roast (I think) and then cut it into pork chops which would be a more economical way to do it.

Cream of Mushroom Soup-I use a lot of soup for this recipe. Usually, if I am cooking for 4 people I would use at least 3 cans (regular size) of soup. You may have to do the recipe a few times to know the amount that is right for your family or group.

Garlic and Onion Salt

Milk-this is an eyeball measurement which I will explain in a minute.

Steps:

1. Season your pork chops anyway you would like. I personally like to use garlic and onion salt on both sides. You could also add a little bit of pepper if you wish.

2. Brown the pork chops on both sides on Medium to High Heat (maybe around 6 or 7 on your stove.)

3. While the pork chops are browning put your soup into a bowl with some milk. You can eyeball it and add more later if you want your gravy thinner. Mix the milk and soup together until smooth.

4. While the pan is still on medium to high heat, add the soup mixture and let the soup also brown just a bit (maybe for 5 minutes or so).

5. Turn the heat down to low (maybe around 1 or 2 or simmer) and let the pork chops simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour. The longer you let them simmer the more tender your pork chops will be. If you are using the thinner pork chop you won't need to cook them as long. If you are using thicker or boneless pork chops you will need to cook them the full hour.

6. Serve with rice or potatoes and anything else you would like. The cream of mushroom soup becomes a gravy for your rice or rolls!

I hope you enjoy having your own Pork Chop Tuesday!

A realization

2011-02-22T20:08:00.003-06:00

When I was young there were a couple of things that I wasn't any good at. Time and experience had taught me that sports and gym were not really my thing and neither was sewing.

For example, in high school my friends and I would try to come up with creative things to do during gym while playing and trying to get a decent grade. Sometimes this wasn't such a hit with those in our class who were a little more competitive. It was especially not appreciated when we moved out of the way of the volleyball. Needless to say I was thrilled when I didn't have to take gym my senior year. There was much rejoicing.

It may come as a shock to most of you that I do not sew nor think I have talent for it. My mother is the world's best seamstress and quilter. She can seriously fix or make or do anything when it comes to the sewing machine. Me, not so much. In Junior High when I had to take sewing my mom would end up finishing what I had started due to the fact that I would have a minor (Read: MAJOR) breakdown. The breakdowns mostly involved crying and I just didn't enjoy it AT ALL.

Which brings us to today and about a week ago when I had this realization about both of the topics discussed above. I started going to the gym in December and I actually like it. I am currently working on a secret project (for someones birthday) that involves sewing and it isn't so bad. I realized that just because I didn't like something in the past doesn't mean that I will forever be tied to that thing about myself. I can conquer something that I didn't think I could. Those labels don't have to define me forever.

I am sure that some of you out there had this realization a long time ago but for me it was a true aha moment. A moment that I have been pondering on for the past week and trying to think of how I would put it into words. I hope I have done it justice.

2010 in Review

2010-12-30T11:45:00.003-06:00

I will confess and say that I did steal this idea from a friend's blog. Thanks Mary!

2010 has been an interesting year for me to say the least and one that will live in my memory with both the happy and hard times.

In January I was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease for the second time and contemplated what that would mean for the coming year. In February I started hemodialysis and felt a little better but not quite up to par.

In March I had a catheter placed so I could start doing peritoneal dialysis (PD) at home but didn't start actually doing it at home until May. In April I was lucky enough to lose my memory for a few days thanks to a seizure and I said some pretty funny things.

After starting PD I started to feel better and left at the end of August with Dad, Margaret and Lydia for a 3 week trip to Utah and Idaho. We visited with family, friends and got to attend my nephew's second birthday party. A great time was had by all and I figured out that I could travel while on dialysis.

In November Lydia turned one and it has been a pleasure to have been involved so closely with her first year. I love her a lot and its been fun to see her turn from a baby to a toddler--almost overnight it feels like.

I also had the opportunity to go to Nauvoo twice this summer and enjoy the pageant with Margaret and Lydia. We also saw my cousin Melanie while we were there.

I think the thing that I have learned this year is to be grateful for the things that I have been blessed with. My parents are awesome and my siblings and their spouses have been an incredible support during this trying time. Friends too have brought me much comfort and love.

To all of you, thank you for the impact you have had on my life. I love each of you and I am looking forward to a better 2011 and hopefully a transplant!

Transplant!

2010-10-20T10:59:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago, Mom and I went for our long awaited meeting with the transplant group at St. Luke's here in Kansas City. I am choosing their transplant program because St. Luke's was my former employer.

The first day of the two day process we went and I checked in just like I would if I were going to be an inpatient. I even got the stupid hospital bracelets that I hate so much and they kept falling off my wrists so they eventually ended up in my purse. Anyway, then we headed off to the lab where I let a student draw my blood. (I know!)

From there we headed up to the transplant office to meet with my coordinator, Dana. She was wonderful! She explained all about the transplant and I signed all of the papers to be placed on the list. We also met with the financial coordinator and the social worker.

On the second day we arrived and met first with the transplant nephrologist or kidney doctor. Dr. Stingo doesn't have privileges at St. Luke's so I have to have another nephrologist while I am there. After 3 months post transplant I will go back to Dr. Stingo and he will take care of me. The biggest concern about my getting another transplant was which medications would be safe for me to take after my experience in April with PRES. When we met with the nephrologist he wasn't very encouraging that a transplant was the way to go. Mom and I were pretty discouraged after that appointment but we then met with the surgeon and it was a completely different experience. He was wonderful and thought that we could do a transplant.

So now I am officially on the list and we will see what happens. Hopefully all will turn out well.

Hello world, its me Kainty

2010-08-24T12:12:00.005-05:00

I am sure all of you (2 of you?) have been dying to know the results of my breast biopsy last week. I actually got the call on Wednesday because my biopsy got a rush put on it since I am the squeaky wheel and all of that. Both lumps are fibroid adenoma's (I probably misspelled that) and nothing to worry about. Even the one on the right that had gotten bigger since the previous biopsy. It was certainly welcome news and I was happy that I didn't have to worry about while I was gone on vacation.

Vacation? Yes, vacation. Although some might argue that my entire life right now is a vacation, we are leaving town for approximately two and a half weeks. Dialysis fluid is being delivered to each location we will be staying at. First, we are driving from Kansas City to Denver and spending the night with Ben's aunt. The next morning we will drive to Hurricane, UT (near St. George, UT) and stay for two days with my Aunt Karla. Then off to Salt Lake to stay until Sunday the to Boise, ID to see Little G!! He is turning 2 on 9/11 and I am so excited to see him. Margaret, Dad and Lydia will also be going so it will be a fun road trip. Mom is flying out to Boise today and we will see her in SLC next week. It will be nice to get away and not worry about things. Maybe I just want to get away since I spent the majority of about 4 months in the house except going to dialysis. Full report will be written on my return..or while I am gone.

What else? Oh, I've been trying to go to Curves at least Monday through Friday. Margaret and I are starting to walk every morning so we can walk in the 5K kidney walk on October 9th. Anyone who wants to join us or donate money to a great cause can e-mail me at kantrun@gmail.com I am not much of a seller or someone who can ask for donations easily. Sometime I should write about my absolute failure as a girl scout just to prove the point. But this is for a good cause and something I believe in which also helps me out right now. Its awesome the types of programs there are but I am sure they could use all of the help they can get.

I am off now to do some more e-mails, my job for my brother and indexing on Family Search. Loves!

One good thing

2010-08-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

about Peritoneal Dialysis is that once I am hooked up I can't run into the kitchen for midnight snack.

Thoughts?

Frustrated

2010-08-10T20:56:00.003-05:00

If I didn't have to go to another doctor I wouldn't. Seriously. Its been that kind of week already and its only Tuesday!

I had to have a mammogram as part of the listing process for the transplant. That's fine. I know I am 35 and that sort of stuff needs to start happening. Going in I knew that I had a lump on the right side that had already been biopsied seven years ago. I didn't expect to also have something on the left side. As I expected, because I am me, I had to have further testing on said lumps. After the ultrasounds it was determined that I should see a surgeon for a consultation to have a biopsy of the lumps. Fine. The women's center where I had the mammogram and ultrasound said they would request the records from my previous biopsy for this appointment.

Yesterday I go to the appointment expecting to hear that I need a biopsy. Obviously because I am me and things can't just go easily. Anyway, at the doctor's office the doctor is puzzled because he doesn't have these records. His nurse doesn't really care that I am upset by this and instead gives me a lecture about self exams. I know this. I am not five years old nor am I lacking intelligence. I explain to her that I have had other things on my mind. In an extremely condescending voice she explains that I should do them so if there is a problem I can alert someone. Thanks Sherlock I had no idea that is why we do monthly self breast exams.

For the record, I know that I should do them. Just so you know.

I leave the doctor's office $25 poorer (which I can't afford) and have no answers. Thankfully, his nurse called me today to set up the biopsy for next Tuesday. Yes, I get to have the right one done too. Lucky me.

I am not the type of person who complains a lot to other people. Sure, I come home and tell mom and dad about it with all sorts of passion. But I don't really ever take the next step like writing a letter.

Today I did.

I am glad I did it. I think there is no excuse for the women's center not doing their job and for the doctor's nurse to be so blase about the whole situation. So I wrote a letter to both places expressing my displeasure with my most recent interactions with their offices.

I am not too worried about the biopsies but I wish that something in my life would go easily. Hopefully this will turn out to be nothing.

I had a dream...

2010-08-09T17:50:00.001-05:00

that Tim Gunn and I were BFF. Weird huh?

Margaret

2010-08-02T08:03:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to my sister Margaret!

I wanted to just write a few words about her and how great I think she is on her birthday!

Margaret is my youngest sister and someone I look up to. Even though there are 6 years between us she has taught me a lot in her life. She is passionate about the German language and about teaching. When I was first teaching Seminary and I needed advice about classroom management I called Margaret.

She is a loving person and a wonderful mother. I love to watch her care for Lydia and play with her. I am amazed at how natural all of the aspects of motherhood seem to be for her and how comfortable she seems with the demands that motherhood makes.

Her love for the gospel and her commitment to her church calling are something else that I admire about her. She is always willing to go the extra mile to serve and love those she comes in contact with.

Margaret is also very funny and we always have a good time together. I know that when she was younger she got teased a lot but I would not want to be sisters with anyone else.

I love you. I hope you have a great birthday and a great year!

I try..

2010-08-02T07:57:00.002-05:00

I try to think about things to blog but then I think what if someone really doesn't want to read that? Or what if I can't articulate what I want to say? Then I think who cares? Only like 5 people read this blog anyway so what's the difference?

I just read a friend's blog and she is going to try to be positive for the next 30 days and see where it takes her. I like that idea. I have especially been a little hard on myself lately and a little negative so I want to try to change that too thanks to the inspiration I received this morning. I want to be thankful for what I have and thankful to be breathing. So what if I have to go to the doctor a little more right now. In the end, if I get a transplant, it will all pay off.

I am looking forward to a little vacation at the end of this month so that will be a good time. Dad, Margaret, Lydia and I will be driving to St. George, Utah then to Salt Lake City to finally end up in Boise, ID to celebrate Gram's birthday on 9/11. I can't believe that he will be 2. It should be interesting to have my fluid delivered beforehand and see how it all works out with traveling. I will let you all know how it goes.

I have been going to Curves with my mom and I am enjoying that. It isn't much but at least I am doing something. It feels good too and I like getting up and having something to do besides sit around. I am trying not to do that.

So here's to a great August!

My Crazy Life

2010-06-09T11:52:00.003-05:00

Things in my life have been a little bit crazy as of late so sit back and enjoy this post!

The Blog Contest

I won the blog contest! I was so excited, humbled and I really couldn't believe it. Thanks to everyone who voted for me, read the post and for all of the sweet comments. I really do have the best support system and I am so blessed to be able to call all of you friends and family. The basket I received was so awesome! We are still enjoying some of the goodies and the basket is now holding piano music.

A Brain Injury

Most of the reason that I haven't blogged since April 19 is because of what happened on April 21st. I woke up and I wanted to take my anti-nausea medicine before I ate but I couldn't remember which medicine to take. I asked my mom and she was immediately concerned that something was wrong. After that I don't remember anything but I tried to put the water pitcher back into the fridge and I thought my bedroom was the laundry room. Mom put me on my bed and I was non responsive but still breathing. She said my eyes were glazed over and I wouldn't answer her. She immediately called 911 and I got to ride in ambulance for the first time..too bad I don't remember the ride.

I had two Grand Mal Seizures while in the ambulance bay in the hospital and after an MRI the doctors thought I might have a brain infection. I didn't talk to anyone except I did say my brothers nickname when he asked me if I knew him. I was transferred to another hospital in the same system and put into ICU where I stayed for two days. The following day I wasn't talking still and I had another MRI where it was discovered I had a condition called PRES which stands for Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. It is caused by a combination of the medications I take for my transplant and high blood pressure. I had been having horrible headaches for about 6 months previous and this is also a symptom of this condition.

By the following day, I was talking and eating but had lost my short term memory for the past 2 days. I don't remember anything until that night and I don't remember anything previous to my taking my medication on the 21st. It was quite a weird feeling to say the least to be unable to remember the year or who the president was. I only know what happened from stories from my family and friends which were quite hilarious to say the least. I also had no filter so whatever came into my head came out of my mouth and that also led to some funny moments.

I was told in the hospital that I would be unable to drive for 6 months and that was the one thing that I wasn't so excited about. If you know me at all you know I like to be in control and I especially like being able to go where I want when I want. Not that I have been going very many places as of late but still I like having the option. But when I went for my follow up visit with the neurologist he said that I could drive 2 weeks after I stopped the anti-seizure medication. On June 15th I will no longer be 15 and unable to drive! I am looking forward to that day for sure!

Dialysis at Home

Peritoneal dialysis at home is going very well. A week after I was released from the hospital, I was in training to do the dialysis and now I have been doing dialysis myself for about a month. I am so happy to be in charge of my own treatment and to be free from going to the dialysis center three times a week. The training was good but there were some things I wish were explained more clearly and some things that I didn't need to know a thousand times. But everyone learns at different rates so I would assume the training needs to be flexible enough for different kinds of learners.

Feeling Good

I am feeling so much better and actually have some energy to go and do. It is amazing that we are at a point to replace the function of an organ. Wow. I feel really blessed to still be here on this earth with my family and friends. My support system is so awesome especially my parents and I couldn't do anything without them. They are the best!

Thanks again for all your love and prayers.

Vote for me!

2010-04-19T17:12:00.006-05:00

I wrote a previous post regarding my experience with birth defects for the blog, Service Soapbox. They are doing a baby shower for the March of Dimes Teddy Bear Den. Please go to the blog to read all about it. While you are there, you can vote for me!

I entered this post in a contest on this blog and I am one of six finalists! Please go to the blog and vote for me. The poll is on the left hand side and you can vote once per day until Friday.

Thanks so much for all of your comments on this post! So go vote now!

A flush and facelift

2010-04-15T17:51:00.002-05:00

Today I went for my 3rd flush of my new PD catheter and it went really well which I was very happy about. Its working great and will work AWESOME for my new dialysis treatment. However, the bad news was that doing dialysis at home will have to be pushed back another week. My week long training was postponed for another week because of scheduling conflicts. Instead of one more day of hemodialysis I have 4 more. But it will all happen SOON which I am glad about.

If you'll notice in the right hand side of the blog is a poll of what we should name my new PD catheter. Any suggestions are welcome just leave them in the comments if you don't like the choices I thought up off the top of my head.

I gave the blog a facelift so I hope you like it.

Happy Tax Day!

Love you all!

Really?

2010-04-12T22:37:00.005-05:00

Sitting in church this past Sunday (for just Sacrament meeting..not feeling THAT great yet) I cringed as I heard the first two announcements for singles activities. Singles over 31 to 101 that is. I always expect someone in my family to poke me or give me a significant look. A look that says, "You really should go to these."

And I know I probably should to support the program and blah blah blah. I have always resisted going to any of the singles firesides. When I say firesides I mean meetings on Sunday. There is no fire involved its just something it is called in church culture. I didn't even like to go to singles firesides when I was younger. Especially with topics like, "Being happy and being single" or "Finding your perfect mate." The topics weren't quite that bad and I thought I had heard everything as a topic for a singles fireside.

Until Sunday....

The topic for this week's fireside?

Get ready its very exciting....

SLEEP DISORDERS!!

Seriously? Sleep disorders? For a singles fireside?

To each his own I suppose but my attitude about firesides definitely has taken a sharp turn for the worse.

A Life of Purpose

2010-04-09T18:09:00.012-05:00

We all want to live one, right? We all want to have an impact on others for good, to inspire and to encourage someone, anyone, to live their lives with some type of purpose. In general, I feel I strive to do that but I always feel a longing to do more.

What to do? Write a best selling book often comes to mind -- but I believe that the opportunity to do something small but significant for an individual or a family would be even more gratifying. In my religion, we are encouraged to constantly give service but I find myself selfishly hoarding my time, feeling too tired and apathetic during points of my life. Just now, on another blog, I discovered an opportunity to write a post about birth defects. This group plans to throw a baby shower to raise supplies for the March of Dimes Teddy Bear Den. To read more details, please go here.

I have dealt with a birth defect since, well, birth. I was born with a bilateral complete cleft lip and palate. I had my first surgery, to close my lip, at 3 months old and then, at 6 months, another surgery to close my palate. However, this wouldn't be the final surgery of my young life -- or my adult life for that matter. By the age of 12, I had been in surgery for my birth defect 24 times, including having 11 sets of tubes in my ears, one major ear operation and 12 other surgeries for my cleft.

Surgeries and doctor appointments became just another part of my life. As I got older, I came to understand that I was different from other children; the first time I can remember recognizing that difference was at church one Sunday morning: I walked in and went to sit with my class. I was 5 years old and felt crushed when a boy in my class said, "Move over, here comes fat lip." I don't remember ever telling my parents about that; I probably didn't. It was the first time I felt burning shame about what I looked like. A few years earlier I had told my mother that I was beautiful the way I was and didn't need any more surgeries, but I hadn't realized how I looked to other people. The realization hurt. A lot. It wouldn't be the first or last time that I have been judged for how I looked, even in my adult life.

In the 3rd grade, I decided I would take my little baby book to school to show the children some of the pictures of me before my lip had been closed. I had a wonderful teacher, Mrs. McNary, who was so compassionate; she obviously made an impact on me as I remember her name to this day. She told the class that I was going to come around with my picture book and if they didn't want to look just to shake their head no. Most of the kids looked and I think it gave them more understanding. I remember that the rest of my elementary years were fairly free from the standard teasing children that age tend to engage in.

We moved then, back to the land of the Mormons, back to Utah where I expected to be accepted; these were my people. These were kids who were taught from a young age to be compassionate, to be accepting of those who are different. However, I was severely disappointed during the last few months of my 6th grade year and into my 7th. I remember one girl in particular who was especially cruel. The middle school or junior high years, we all know, can be cruel, but I felt especially picked on. Sometimes I wished to be someone else, someone popular who didn't have the struggles I had. Thankfully, I made some solid friends who are still my friends to this day. They looked beyond the outside to see who I was on the inside. I will be forever in their debt for helping me to feel wanted, loved and valuable. When I had my last surgery at 12 or 13 I told my mom I was finished; I didn't want any more surgeries. I figured that if someone didn't like the way I looked that was their problem, not mine. But even adults, even after I became a working adult, myself, would describe me as "a harelip," a term which I found (and still find) highly offensive.

I didn't always feel okay about how I looked; I wanted to be liked the way every adolescent does. In different seasons of my life, I have doubted my decision to stop reconstructive surgery so early. The first time was when, as a senior in high school, one of my friends (whose father was a plastic surgeon) told me that her dad said he could have done a better job on my lip. I doubted then. I have since toyed with the idea of visiting a surgeon to see what could be done for me. The thought occasionally flits across my mind and I mostly dismiss it, but sometimes several days pass before I decide I don't want to go through the pain and agony one more time.

As an adult, I am still different: I contracted end stage renal (kidney) disease when I was 20. After 11 months of dialysis, I received a kidney transplant from one of my younger sisters. That kidney lasted 12 years and just recently failed, so I am going through dialysis again until I can get another transplant. Although life isn't easy, I know that I can do it. It's funny because I feel like having the experiences I had as a child made my more recent health problems easier to handle. I believe the Lord will never give me something I can't handle so I have to find a way.

I have had experiences in my life that I could use to help others, to inspire others and to educate -- but how? I think the answer is to do it one person at a time. I have small children ask me all the time about what happened to my lip. Instead of feeling defensive, I explain in terms they can understand that when I was born my lip didn't come together and it had to be fixed. Usually their parents are completely mortified but I assure them that I would rather the child ask than wonder because from that point on, when they see someone like me, it won't be a novelty but something they have seen before. Maybe by doing that I can save some other child the teasing I endured.

My wish is for parents to truly teach their children about the differences in the world. I wish that children would see someone different and consider her just another person. I know this can happen by helping one person at a time to think before staring or making a comment either to or about someone who is different. It can happen. I have two best friends who have remained so because of what their parents taught them and because of the people they are on the inside. Those friends embraced me not because I was popular or because I looked like everyone else, but because of who I am. I know that parents can have an impact on the way their children behave toward others. As I have read in The Book of Mormon, "we do not doubt our mothers knew it." If parents teach children about differences when they are young, they will remember the lesson for the rest of their lives and treat others with compassion.

That would be a life of purpose.

Hello World!

2010-03-08T12:26:00.005-06:00

I can't believe its been four months since I last posted on my blog. I promise I haven't given up on it but these last few months have been rather difficult for me. I haven't felt like doing much, even reading or sitting at the computer to do anything. I am finally feeling better so here is the latest from my neck of the woods.

If you have been reading my blog you know that for the last six months or so I haven't felt very well. I would have periods where I felt fine but for the most part I wasn't feeling like doing anything. Things came to a head in January when I was admitted to the hospital for dehydration and acute kidney failure. I thought that perhaps my kidney would kick back in after being re hydrated but that wasn't the case. After a kidney biopsy it was determined that my transplant, which I've had for 12 1/2 years had finally started to fail. This was something that we knew would eventually occur but of course took everyone by surprise although I had feeling that was what was wrong for a few months.

Being on the kidney failure diet isn't something I would recommend even though I've lost weight, not being able to eat really, really is the worst. If I would eat, most likely I would be bowing to the porcelain god before long.

After visiting with Dr. Stingo (my kidney doctor) it was determined that I should start dialysis as soon as possible. I saw him on a Tuesday and on Friday that week I was at the dialysis access center getting a central line so I could start dialysis. I started hemodialysis on February 9th and I think I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I am starting to feel a little more like myself than I have in about 6 weeks or more.

If you would like more information on kidney failure, dialysis or transplants please visit kidney.org which is the National Kidney Foundation's website. They have lots of information on anything related to kidneys.

Although I am not happy with this recent turn of events I know that everything will be all right. The Lord is aware of me and my situation and will bless me even during this difficult trial. I am so blessed to have family and friends who support me. Even more, I would not be able to do this without the support of my wonderful parents. This is stressful for them as well and yet they manage to love and support me. I love them more than I can truly say in mere words. I appreciate all they do for me.

In other news, Margaret went back to work so we are tending my little niece Little L. She is the cutest EVER and Mom and I are having a great time watching over her. I am sure that Margaret is glad that she knows Little L is somewhere with two people who love her as much as she does.

I guess that is all the news to tell right now. Love to you all.

The earth isn't flat.....

2009-11-02T20:08:00.003-06:00

..so I haven't fallen off the edge of it.

I've had kind of interesting fall so far so its been WAY too long since I last blogged. I appreciate my sweet cousin Mike for commenting on the fake blog I accidentally posted. Because I'm a dork.

Being Sick
Isn't really fun. I hadn't felt well for a while and my appetite was really poor. I had several incidents of MRSA on my skin since August and had been on antibiotics. I was supposed to see my nephrologist (the GREAT Dr. S!) during the first week of August but had to cancel because of insurance issues. The earliest appointment I could get was the last week of September. Then it got bumped to the first week of October. In the meantime, was tired, nauseated, vomiting and all sorts of other fun stuff. I knew something was wrong and I actually couldn't wait until I got to see my doctor again. Once I did see him, it was apparent that I definitely needed his advice. My creatnin (which tells how well your kidneys are functioning) was at a 3.2. I usually run around a 1.9 so it was obvious this was part of the reason I was feeling so bad. We were afraid that possibly it was a chronic rejection or my previous kidney disease returning. Dr. S had a feeling it was the previous antibiotic I was on for the MRSA. He told me to stay home from work for a week and rest. Having just started a job I was a little nervous about this but knew that it was the best thing I could do for me. When I was younger I just would go and go but now that I am older (and a little bit wiser) I knew it was the best thing to do. Thankfully my boss was very, very understanding. After some rest and some more meds (and less meds) I am happy to report that as of today my creatnin is down to 1.7 which is GREAT for me. Thank you to all my friends and family for your prayers and concern the past few weeks. They have really helped me. I love you all.

A new job
Thankfully I still have a job even though I had a rough spot earlier in the month. It is going along and I still learning the things that I need to do. It seems to evolve as the days go on. I am feeling more comfortable with my duties and those that I work with. I enjoy going every day and its different every day which is great.

Baby showers
My sister, Frau Bailey, is expecting their first child the first week of December so I have given one baby shower with one on the way this Saturday the 7th. The first shower was for family and it went really well. Margaret and Ben and baby Bailey got a lot of nice gifts. I gave her some things for the tub and a SPA for the baby. Seriously. It is so fun! Can't wait to see him or her in it. Getting clean. Hopefully, the friend shower this weekend will go as well. We are having an open house style and Mar will open presents 3 times during the shower. We are also having a cupcake bar..where guests will be able to decorate their own cupcake. If anyone out there has any ideas for toppings I am all ears.

Well, I guess that is about it for now. Love to you all.

Kansas City here I am!

2009-08-12T13:49:00.004-05:00

Here I am finally in Kansas City and although it still feels vaguely like a vacation the newness is wearing off. I am starting to realize that I really actually live here. Its been so exhausting unpacking boxes and trying to figure out where to put stuff. But its been great to see old friends and hang out like I never left. Thanks to those who have included me back in their lives like I was only gone a week instead of 3 1/2 years. I love you all.

I have also realized that I have WAY too much stuff. Isn't that weird? I am typically a pack rat who MUST. HAVE. STUFF. at all times. I keep every little thing that anyone ever, ever gave me. They are now lovingly stored in the basement in boxes labeled Knick Knacks/Fragile. Really? I have 8 boxes of Knick Knack/Fragile? In my mind just too many knick knacks. As I sit here blogging I can very unemotionally think about all that stuff in the basement and think, "I really should get rid of it." However, if I were to go down there right now, open one box, unwrap one thing I would decide that the entire box must stay. It just must if for no other reason then to feed my inner pack rat.

When we put the house in Atlanta on the market everything personal had to be removed. I couldn't have my books nearby or my thousands of fragile knick knacks and I realized something. I didn't NEED them. They didn't have to be right there. I lived without them for six months. And the most interesting part? I liked it.

You heard me. I liked it. I liked having my dresser clear of the clutter and debris of my everyday life. Of course that doesn't mean that I don't have one of my dresser drawers full of "junk" that seems to have no other place to live. I liked having a place for everything.

Now that I can do whatever I want in my room I long for the days when necessity dictated that I couldn't have all my treasures on display for everyone to see. I want an excuse not to have those things in full view. Not an excuse for everyone else but an excuse for myself.

When I tread down to the basement and survey all of the boxes that are mine, I think how did I accumulate all this STUFF in a mere 34 years? There are some things I know I won't be able to part with but does there come a time when it is necessary? How long do I hold out hope that someone is going to ever want to play with my Cabbage Patch Kids? Or look at the ceramic bowl I clumsily made in Kindergarten? I have tears in my eyes just thinking about putting those in the box marked Goodwill.

As we were unpacking I ran across a few photos my mom had taken of some items she had given away. They were things I remembered and probably would have told her not to get rid of. (I come by my pack rat tendencies honestly after all.) But really, looking at that photo made me realize that it wasn't the actual thing I missed but just seeing it and seeing the memories linked to the object. I asked her how she felt about getting rid of those items and she said she felt fine.

Maybe this is the answer for me? Maybe I could take pictures of some of the objects I am holding onto and then let them go? Am I strong enough for that? I don't know.

I've seen some programs on TV about people who are chronic hoarders and while I know I am not afflicted as they are I don't ever want to get to that point. I want to be able to let go but the first step always feels like a cliff.

Finally!

2009-07-17T17:59:00.001-05:00

My sister Margaret finally posted the big news on her blog so I can squeal about it here. Her and Ben are expecting their first child this winter and I will be an auntie again. I am so excited to have another wee one to spoil. I just love being Auntie Kainty to all my friends kids and really anyone who will let me spoil their kid.
Congrats Mar and Ben! I love you!

Polling Along

2009-06-22T08:43:00.001-05:00

A new poll on the sidebar and TWO new posts after this one. Please don't anyone faint. :-)

My life is full of stress...

2009-06-22T08:23:00.003-05:00

Just thought you would like to know.

Work is crazy busy as everyone anticipates the closing of the center. Only 6 more days of crazy customers and then who knows how many days of packing and shipping back to SLC. It should be an interesting time.

We are planning to be back in KC by the end of the summer so the movers will come, pack up our stuff and we'll start driving. I am so excited to be home but at the same time so sad to be leaving people here in Georgia who have come to mean so much to me.

Our stake is changing here so we will have a new bishop and new ward boundaries for the last little bit of our time here. Change is always good but hard to leave the ones that you love.

I feel stressed but excited at the same time. It will be interesting to see what life has in store for me further down the road.

Kansas City Trip

2009-06-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

On May 28th I flew out to Kansas City for a family reunion of sorts. My sister, Liz her husband Kyle and Little G had already arrived from Idaho. Margaret, Ben and Ken were already there of course. Dad would return the following day and our fun times would begin!

I was so excited to see my cute little nephew, my sisters, dad, brother and brothers in law! I love being around my family and being with them. It is always fun even though we can't make up our minds what we want to do.

Thankfully, Margaret made up a schedule of possible activities and we enjoyed doing so many fun things together. We went bowling, to a Royals game, shopping and just being together. We also celebrated Ken's girlfriends birthday the Monday before we all left. I am sure that our rendition of Happy Birthday was one she will never forget. We are blessed to have her in our family as well.

I truly love being around my whole family and I wish that we lived closer together so we could always do that. When I imagine heaven and being at peace there I imagine being with my family.

I love you all! Thanks for the great trip!

I am so tired..

2009-05-16T08:12:00.001-05:00

of answering the question what will I do when I lose my job? What do people think I'm going to do? Sit on my couch and eat bon-bons? Maybe I should start thinking up good comebacks that I could at least say in my head.

Any ideas?

The Seminary party

2009-05-15T09:08:00.000-05:00

I am sure all of you are waiting on pins and needles for an update about the Seminary party. Today is your lucky day! Here for your reading pleasure are all of the juicy details.

I got off work on Saturday, ran to Target to get some junk food and then ran home to get ready. The house really didn't need cleaning since we have to keep it clean right now but I needed to be clean after a long day at work.

Around 6:30 my first guest arrives and he helps me decide how many and what kinds of pizza to order. In hindsight, I ordered too many so I've learned my lesson on that one. We ordered cheese, pepperoni, sausage and one with lots of stuff on it.

At 7:00 the rest of the crew starts to show up and we talk and laugh and just enjoy each other's company until the pizza arrives.

7:30 The pizza arrives and the students proceed to eat lots and lots of pizza and I was glad because I didn't want any leftovers. They drank pop and ate M&M's.

8:00 or so we start our first game: Celebrity which consists of each person writing down as many celebrity names as they can think of. After you put all the names in a big bowl, you divide teams and each team takes a turn, using words, trying to get everyone to guess who the celebrity is. It was HYSTERICAL! We played girls against boys and the boys were so funny. Telling me they were "not competitive" and everytime they got one right, leaping from their chairs to do a happy dance around the room. I was cracking up. So cute.

9:30 We finally decide to start watching a movie and end up watching Serenity which is one of my all time favorites.

I think everyone enjoyed themselves, especially the part where mom and dad came home with a cake and all my students sang Happy Birthday to me a few days early. That was great.

Love those kids.

A talk on Sunday

2009-05-14T13:21:00.000-05:00

I have been given the GREAT opportunity to talk about Why Seminary is important in sacrament meeting this Sunday. I am excited to have the opportunity to address this because I think Seminary is so important when the youth are going through High School but its amazing how many parents don't think so.

Here is where you, my dear friends, come in. If you went to Seminary, would you mind leaving a comment about how Seminary helped you or what you learned or what your favorite thing was about it?

That would be fab.

Thanks bunches and loves!

On being 34...

2009-05-13T08:53:00.002-05:00

Today in 1975 I was born in Murray, Utah to Ken and Mary Lue Kieffer. Being the oldest has always had its ups and downs but predominately its ups. I have enjoyed so much having the 3 younger siblings that I have and I couldn't imagine life without any of them.

34 doesn't feel all that different from 24 or 25 or even 26. I don't feel like I'm in my 30's and yet I'm always shocked to discover that people I thought were older than me, aren't. Maybe its because they have a spouse and kids but its always surprising when they are younger than me.

Even though I don't feel different at 34 doesn't mean that I am not different, because I am. I've learned quite a few lessons during my brief time on this earth and hopefully gained wisdom from my many mistakes.

I've learned that family is the most important thing in this world. I love living near my family and having them around me. I wish we all lived in one big house but you can't go backwards..just forwards so I love my family when we can get together.

I've learned that your health is something you can never take for granted. I've lived with health problems most of my life and I enjoy the times when I feel good. So, enjoy those times when you feel good.

I've learned that friends will stand by you no matter what. I have some very dear friends who I know I could call at a moment's notice and ask for anything. I wish all of us could also live in a big house and be together.

I've learned more about the gospel of Jesus Christ and about the Atonement. Especially this year teaching the New Testament in Seminary I've grown a lot in my knowledge of Christ's life and more importantly what he did for us.

I've learned to learn from my mistakes and make sure I don't repeat them even though I do sometimes. I've learned to be forgiving and love people.

I've tried to cultivate patience and I fear that I will be working on that for eternity. Patience isn't one of my strong suits but I am trying.

I am sure I have learned many more things but I think you get the picture. Life is a process and we are learning every day. The point is to keep learning and keep doing.

Polling Along

2009-05-07T14:18:00.001-05:00

A new poll! Look! There on the sidebar! Its about mother's day that is rapidly approaching. What are you going to give your mother? If its something you want to share with all of us, leave a comment!

Happy Polling!

Games teenagers play...

2009-05-07T14:01:00.002-05:00

I am hosting our Seminary party this Saturday and need some help from you, my faithful readers. We are going to possibly play some games and then watch a movie while we eat pizza and other junk food. It will be fun.

Here is my problem. All of my board games are currently in one of two storage units and not easily accessible. I wouldn't even know where to look. I need some ideas of easy games we could play together but that the children wouldn't think were LAME with a capital L!

So leave me a comment with an idea or send me an e-mail if you have that.

Thanks!

Seminary kids make me laugh

2009-05-06T13:06:00.001-05:00

Yesterday we were talking about the book of Revelation and talking about the seven trumps. When the second trump is blown, it says all of the sea creatures will die.

One of my funnier students said: "Good-bye Shamu" in the saddest voice.

I laughed for like 5 minutes.

Then I told my brother about it and we laughed again.

Maybe you had to be there. But trust me, it was funny.

Its awesome when....

2009-04-30T11:11:00.003-05:00

I'm at the drive-thru at the bank making the deposit for work and I drop the plastic canister as I am trying to get it in the car. The tellers laugh at me. Then I have to back up the car, get out and pick up the canister. Get back in the car, pull back up and finish my transaction.

I am awesome.

To explain...

2009-04-30T06:20:00.002-05:00

To explain my previous short post, I was at work and went to the ladies room. Most of you know where I work so I won't mention where because I don't do that on this blog. Anyway, it was a rather slow day and there weren't many people around.

The restroom is in an area where anyone off the street could walk into..hence the term PUBLIC RESTROOM!! I walked in and as I turned the corner to go to the stalls I hear a large bang which was the door to the first stall being slammed shut. The occupant had come to the realization that it was a PUBLIC RESTROOM and someone public (me) had just walked in. It took her about 3 times of slamming said door to actually get it locked. And she sounded ticked off that she had to shut the door in the first place.

Hello????? Its a PUBLIC RESTROOM. Of course, the PUBLIC are going to be coming in here even if you don't think so.

Weird.

**PS. The lady in question was in the middle of her..business when I walked in.

Why would you...

2009-04-29T14:25:00.002-05:00

leave the bathroom stall door unlocked and open in a public restroom even if you think no one else will walk in?

People are weird.

Polling Along

2009-04-28T13:57:00.003-05:00

There is finally a new poll along the sidebar. Please read the previous post first so you know what I'm talking about.

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda

2009-04-28T13:44:00.005-05:00

Do you ever have one of those days where you say shoulda, woulda, coulda? I feel like that sometimes and I thought it would be a clever post title even though I am not planning to blog about any regrets, it just sounded cool.

The other day I went to the Post office to mail a birthday package to my friend VR. I knew that she would LOVE what I got her so I was waiting ever so patiently to hear from her if she had received said present. I went to the post office after hours, as I usually do because I don't want to talk to anyone. Not that I'm antisocial but I hate talking to people at the post office. I think I am crazy. Besides, if you have to stand in a line with strangers then THEY want to talk to you and I don't really care if you're mailing a package to your great aunt. Because I'm mean like that. So I used my new best friend the Automated Postage Center or APC. I LOVE the APC. You can weigh your packages and letters, get postage for them, get stamps and mail everything without ever having to talk to a human being! A dream come true. Imagine my surprise when VR told me the post office is holding her package ransom until she appears before them and coughs up .34 cents! WHAT? I used your freaking machine and you still charge the person on the other end because YOUR machine messed up? What? Grr. Not happy about that in the least.

Speaking of not wanting to talk to people, I actually had to yesterday to get the phone book from my old smashed-in-the-car-door cell phone transferred to my new cell phone. I actually had to walk into the Sprint store, talk to the people and explain what I wanted. Every time previous to this when I got a new phone I would enter all the numbers myself. I told myself this was a good time to weed out new numbers. The real reason was because I didn't want to go to the store and talk to anyone. But I actually went there yesterday and did it! I was super proud of myself. Now I just have to call and get my internet on the new phone working. I'm still gathering up my courage for that one.

I also order pizza online to avoid having to talk to anyone on the phone. I love e-mailing my primary care doctor because then I don't have to call his office and talk to stupid people.

I sound a little crazy right now don't I?

Its about to get better.

I was talking to a friend the other night who is equally as obsessed with the Twilight movie and we agreed that it would be fun sometime to figure out how many lines all of the characters have except the two main characters. So last week, while Mom was gone to KC, I watched Twilight again. But I had my spreadsheet with me. It had the names of all the characters in one column and then I would use hash marks in the next column to count how many lines each character had. Then I e-mailed the completed product to my friend because I am nice like that and now she doesn't have to do that work for herself.

See?

I told you it would get better.

Happy Easter and I bought more books.

2009-04-12T08:55:00.002-05:00

Happy Easter to every one and I hope its a memorable one for each of you. I am so thankful for the promise of an empty tomb and that we can be resurrected and live as families again after this life.

On another, completely unrelated note, I went to the bookstore earlier this week and bought 3 books. I just can't stay away. I bought the newest Harry Dresden book, Turn Coat, by Jim Butcher, the newest in the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull and Angels and Demons by Dan Brown so I can have it read before the movie hits theatres this summer. I own it somewhere but I don't remember packing it..maybe I lent it to someone. It could be anywhere at this point so I just bought another one.

I know I am crazy.

Have a great day!

Bloggering is hard

2009-04-11T20:24:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I feel like bloggering and sometimes I don't.
I found out that my place of employment is closing for renovations so I will have my current job until about the 10th of July. Then I will move and find a new one which I am kind of excited about.

I feel like there are a couple of options that I could do but I wonder if they are feasible at this stage of my life. Am I too old to go back to school and finish at least a degree so I can get a better job with more marketable skills? I would like to graduate from college sometime in my lifetime. It appears that I will be supporting myself (thanks mom and dad for your help always!) for my life so I need to be better prepared.

Do I go at night and finish in like 5 years or pay COBRA insurance for the next 18 months and get as much done as I can?

Does anyone have an opinion? Thoughts? Would love to hear them.

For all the books I've loved before

2009-03-21T18:26:00.003-05:00

In order to sell a home, you have to look like you don't live there. For the past month we have been boxing up everything we own and putting it in a storage unit. To be perfectly honest, 2 storage units, one climate controlled and one that isn't. Our house now resembles a museum with few pictures on the walls, painted all the same color that is apparently "in" and not out.

As a side note, greenery is out. Just thought you all might want to know.

But back to the topic at hand. Books. I love my books and now my books are so lonely sitting in the climate controlled storage unit all by themselves. In the dark. My room feels empty and incomplete. I can't run to my bookshelf if I want to read Anne of Green Gables again or Harry Potter. :-(

I've even considered getting a library card so I don't buy as many books that I'll have to haul to Missouri. But I WANT books, I NEED books, I MUST HAVE BOOKS AT ALL TIMES! Yet I only have about 10 sitting on my closet shelf. They are so sad in there. Yes, they are. Sigh.

How weird is it that I feel like part of me is missing since my books have left? I know where they are and that I will once again have them in my room in KC but its still sad.

I know having a library card is good but I love to own books. I love to go to Borders or Barnes and Noble and just touch books. Look at books and buy books. It would be beneficial for me to not spend money seeing as I will not have a job in a few months when we move.

So, dear readers, what are your feelings about books? Love them? Feel ambivalent? Are you like me and you have to have books in your life or you die? Leave a comment.

Is anyone alive out there?

2009-03-13T19:25:00.003-05:00

Yes, its me. Here I am writing on the blog again. Amazing isn't it? Its been almost a month since I last wrote and I feel like I have ton to say. So here we go.

The Cyst
The spitting stitch turned out to be a cyst as I stated in my previous post. It is healing up so nicely and I feel sooo much better.

Last Weekend
Last weekend my good and awesome friend, VR, came to Hotlanta to hang out with just little old me. She arrived on Friday night about 9 and we then drove home, chatted and went to bed. Saturday morning we got up early to have breakfast at Papa Jacks so she could have a real southern breakfast and it was so yummy! After breakfast we said goodbye to Dad and headed to the Georgia Aquarium and The World of Coke. The Aquarium was fun and the World of Coke was more fun than I thought it would be. We got to sample so many different kinds of soda from around the world! I only accidentally tried one carbonated one. We had a fun time. That night we went with Dad to the Melting Pot and then came home and just chatted. On Sunday we went to Stone Mountain and took the tram up to the top of the mountain, walked around and had a great time. Then it was time for VR to go to the airport and back to KC. I was sad to see her go but I know that I will get to hang out with her soon.

Painting the House
In order to prepare the house for selling, we've taken everything off the walls and had some people come and paint the inside of the house. A few rooms were painted by some friends and the rest by a lady in our ward and her Dad. They did a great job and I was just glad that mom and dad didn't have to do it because Mom was getting pretty tired after she painted the laundry room. It sure was good to have it all done. Now to reorganize the house....

Dad has a big heart
Dad went in for a heart procedure yesterday and while everything went well now the sac around his heart is inflamed so he is in the hospital being watched. The procedure went fine and hopefully he will start to feel better but now he is in a lot of pain but it should subside....or so the doctor tells us. We aren't sure if he will be in the hospital until Monday or just one night. Its been crazy.

Seminary
I have such wonderful Seminary kids and they really bless my life every single day. We are going through all the Pauline epistles at the moment and I am learning a lot although I think I would rather teach Isaiah some days.

Little G
(Otherwise known as the cutest baby ever) He is growing so big! I can't believe that he can roll all over the house now. Wow. Time sure does fly.

Moving
is a pain in the butt.

Twilight
Twilight comes out in a week from tomorrow and I can hardly wait. Fun times! I'll be watching it lots and lots. Because I'm cool like that.

Well, kids that is all for now. I will try to be more diligent in writing. Love you all.

K2

An update on the NOT Spitting stitch

2009-02-20T18:50:00.002-06:00

I went to the surgeon today and found out my spitting stitch was actually a cyst that got infected. The surgeon was a super nice guy and he numbed it up, cut it open, drained it and the pressure is gone. It hurts from the incision but I should get better pretty soon. But that hurt A LOT to get lidocaine shot into the cyst. I didn't think I could do it. I hate lidocaine but I'm glad we have it.

And I got some pain meds so I'm feeling pretty good! :-)

Polling Along

2009-02-18T17:48:00.002-06:00

Take the new poll! Its about what is REALLY wrong with me. Is it just a spitting stitch or something far more sinister? You decide.

My newest obsession

2009-02-18T15:54:00.004-06:00

I seem to be having some new obsessions lately and this one is pretty fun.

On TLC there is a new show called Toddlers and Tiaras about children's beauty pageants. Its weird and funny and I can't seem to pull myself away. What I find interesting about it is that most of the parents insist that it is the kid who wants to participate but I think it always starts with the parents who want the kids to do it.

These pageants are insanely expensive not including the dresses, fake teeth, make up, coaches etc. etc. Sometimes, if they win certain things, they win the entrance fee back but more often than not they are more in the hole than before they started.

I'm not going to pass judgement on these parents because I'm not in their shoes. I just think it is fascinating to watch something that I am not really familiar with.

Edit: Would you let your child, girl or boy, enter these pagents? Would you want them to do glam, meaning all the fake everything or natural with no fake anything? Just leave a comment.

An Update on the spitting stitch

2009-02-17T20:35:00.002-06:00

Apparently, something more is wrong than just spitting a stitch. My PCP gave me a referral to see a surgeon so I'm going on Friday. The first appointment available. So I'll be here at home if you need me.

Sigh.

Spitting a Stitch

2009-02-12T17:21:00.003-06:00

When I had my gallbladder removed over 2 years ago I always had this little bump near one of the incision sites. I never really thought much of it until a couple of days ago when it started to swell, turn red and hurt. Really hurt.

It was so weird and I thought I was completely crazy because I thought it was related to my previous gallbladder surgery but how could that be when it had been 2 years since I had the surgery?

I found out today. I finally went to the doctor and if you know me at all you know I would rather do many, many, many things than go to the doctor. I had also been suffering from sinus symptoms for about 3 weeks so it was a good opportunity to kill 2 birds with one stone.

Mom decides to go to the doctor with me and we find out I am "spitting a stitch". Yes, it seems there is a very deep stitch that wasn't one that dissolved so now has decided to work its way out through my skin. How fun for me.

I also have sinus infection. I decided to stay home today and tomorrow which I think will help me to feel better.

With antibiotic in hand we left the doctors office with instructions to put a warm compress on my spitting stitch.

Whoever heard of such a thing? I swear it could only happen to me.

Weird.

Book Worm Wednesday

2009-02-11T07:00:00.000-06:00

For this week I've pulled something from the children's section of my library. I enjoy reading new authors of children's literature and finding new things to read about. The book is The Tapestry by Henry H. Neff.

Its kind of Harry Potter-esque but different. Its about a boy who finds out he can do magic but the school he goes to is very different from Hogwarts. I won't say more except that you should check out this book if you liked Harry Potter.

The 2nd book is also out called The Second Siege with the 3rd book coming out in September titled The Fiend and the Forge. I will be getting the second book soon but I'll have to reread the first one again so I know what is going on.

Happy Reading!

I just can't believe...

2009-02-10T13:00:00.000-06:00

its not butter.

Not really. I set my status to I can't believe it on Facebook a couple of days ago and some of you were probably wondering why.

We're moving.

Back to KC.

This summer.

Holy crap.

There are so many things to think about and a lot to do. We have to pack up a lot of stuff, put it in storage in order to show the house. So we'll be busy but I am excited to be going back.

All I can say is Wow.

Book Worm Wednesday

2009-02-04T07:00:00.000-06:00

The book for this week is Somewhere in Heaven: The Remarkable Love Story of Dana and Christopher Reeve by Christopher Andersen.

I had always wanted to know more about Dana and Christopher Reeve. I really think she was amazing for the way she helped him after his accident and then through her own illness. It is a truly inspiring story but isn't all hearts and flowers. The author manages to also show the difficult side of living and caring for someone with a catastrophic illness.

Its a great read.

To Jen with Love

2009-02-03T13:53:00.002-06:00

One of the people I blog stalk, with her knowledge of course, was saddened by my post the other day to not see her name in print. So, here is my letter of appreciation to Jen.

Dearest Jen,

You were the first person I blog stalked. Remember when I clicked on the link to your blog from my sisters and read the very first post. That was great.
Remember how I continued to blog stalk you and blog stalk you until you demanded that EVERYONE leave a comment so I felt compelled to.
Remember that first comment. That was awesome.
Remember how we met in first grade?
Wait...

No that wasn't you. Moving on.

Remember how sad we were in November when we realized I would be in KC but you wouldn't? I cried that day.
Remember how you make me laugh with every post and your kids are so cute and your humor so funny that I wished I still lived in KC? I wish that we could meet and be BFF. But here I am in Atlanta.
It doesn't matter that we've never met but I've gotten to know you through your blog and I think you are so funny and talented. I hope you never stop writing. You are a great person and I hope you have a GREAT day!

Love,
Kathryn

Great Post

2009-02-03T13:52:00.002-06:00

My cousin posted this on his blog. I agree with it so go on over and read it. Right now.

I just...

2009-02-03T11:47:00.002-06:00

ate 2 doughnuts and they were good.

Go me.

With Gratitude and Love

2009-02-02T11:15:00.005-06:00

I should be prepping for Seminary right now but I've been reading several blogs today and decided to copy one of my friends Eliza. One of my best friends of over 20 years, Beckle the Freckle, found out that her sister has stage 4 cancer. She mentions in her post that sometimes we don't appreciate the people in our lives like we should. So I decided to copy Eliza and write a little bit about those who mean so much to me.

Dad
I love you so much and I am so glad you are my dad. I love going to movies with you and to Eddie Bauer just to look at bags. I am thankful that you and mom let me come and "take care of you" even though I think it is the other way around. You are the best dad a girl could ask for and I will always be your little girl.

Mom
I love you so much! You are such a talented and wonderful person. I am completely amazed all of the time at the patience you have to do your many projects. I can barely tolerate doing my cross stitch but I am glad that you are there to help me over the rough spots. I love that you have always been there for me through thick and thin. You are amazing.

Ken
As brothers go you are simply the best. You are kind and loving to your sisters now that we are all grown up and out of our childhood and teenage years. I love being around you and learning from you. You are so intelligent and someone I really look up to. I am so proud of you for going back to school and finishing your degree. You make me want to do that too. I love you.

Elizabeth
The bond we share is something hard to describe to anyone else. You are there for me in a way that no one else is or could be. I admire your strength and the things that you have taught me. I was so proud the day you graduated from Peace but more especially that you left the nest to pursue your dreams. Also, thanks for giving all of us Little G to spoil He is simply so sweet and wonderful. I love you both.

Kyle
Thanks for marrying my sister and treating her so well. You always make me laugh when we're together. I think the best memory I have of you was recently at Grandma Kieffer's funeral. I was having a hard time right before the family prayer and crying pretty hard. Thanks for putting your arm around me. It really helped me feel better. I really love you for that. I am glad you are part of our family.

Margaret
I love you my little blonde headed sister. I know that we tease you all the time about being adopted but I couldn't imagine our family as being complete without you. I admire that you went to Germany to live when you were 16 almost 17. I admire that you teach the German language to high school students and you are so good at it. I love talking to you and hanging out with you and doing fun sister things together. You are so brave and smart and wonderful.

Ben
Last but not least. Thanks for marrying Mar. You are truly wonderful to her. Thanks for letting me live with you guys for those couple of years and for dealing with my craziness sometimes. I know I was a trial but you were always patient. Thanks for fixing my friend's cars and being a great example of charity. I love you and I am glad that you are in our family.

Little G
Thanks for being my first nephew. You are so cute and so loved by us all. I love you so much.

And a few more people who are like sisters to me. I met RCH and Beckle the Freckle when we were all in 8th grade. (That's right, right?) So we've been friends for about 20 years or so. That's a long time and I love them so much.

RCH
20 years is a long time and who knew it would last this long when Jessica had you write me that note when I had mono. Thanks for everything. Thanks for being my first real roommate in Kansas City and for listening to me all these years. Your support is something that I need. Even though we don't talk every day know that I think of you often and love you more than I can express in words.

Beckle
I can't remember the exact circumstances of our first meeting. Maybe you remember better than I do. It just seems that you've been a part of my life forever. Thanks for listening and laughing and being a great friend. I love you so much and I am so glad that we are blessed to be in each others lives. You are a wonderful everything.

Love you all,
K2

Polling Along

2009-01-30T12:44:00.001-06:00

Thanks for answering last week's poll regarding being a night or morning person. Apparently, lots of people I know are night people. Awesome. I love you morning people too so don't worry.

There is a new poll on the side bar. Are you a cat or dog person? Some other animal? Tell us in the comments.

Book Worm Wednesday

2009-01-28T07:00:00.000-06:00

This book for this week is For Laci by Sharon Roca. I have read this book several times and its one that I will read again and again I am sure.

It is written by Sharon Roca who is Laci Peterson's mom. Sharon talks about how hard it was to realize that Scott Peterson had murdered her daughter. I think part of the appeal for me was the fact that Laci is only a few days older than me. She sounds like she was a wonderful person and I found all of the police work fascinating.

Its a good read.

Dinner

2009-01-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

Last night for dinner I had put some boneless chicken breasts and one bottle of BBQ sauce in the crock pot and let it cook all day.

But I needed a side so went to Rachael Ray's website quickly to see if I could get any ideas for oven baked potatoes.

I decided to wash potatoes, leave the skins on and cut them up into wedges. After putting those in a bowl I put in some extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled on some all seasoning. You could also use grill seasoning which is what Rachael Ray suggested. I stirred that all up and coated the potatoes and then put them on a cookie sheet. I guess really its a jelly roll sheet because it has sides.

Anyhoo, I popped those into a 425 degree oven for 30 minutes but you could cook them until 40 minutes if you needed to.

They were very tasty but I would also add a little salt and maybe some pepper.

Now I am on the hunt for a crock pot recipe for Sunday.

Wish me luck!

Very Funny Friday

2009-01-23T16:53:00.004-06:00

There is this blog that I stalk by a very, very funny woman named Sue. I love her posts and her blog. RCH has a link on her blog so I clicked on it and now I am addicted.

Anyway, she started this blog carnival on Friday's about things that are funny. You have to write on your blog, then link to her blog and sign up on her blog. I didn't think that I wanted to do it at first but something funny happened today and I thought I would share.

A conversation I had with a 9 year old boy as he had just finished rummaging in our pantry.

SK: Can I have these? Holding up a package of popcorn rice cakes that have probably been in the cupboard for 6 months.

Me: Um, those are probably too old. How about a graham cracker?

SK: Can you heat up some meat ravioli?

I thought it was funny. Its up to the rest of you to decide if I'm crazy or not.

The Sleeping Dragon

2009-01-23T07:00:00.000-06:00

"You go wake her up."
"NO, YOU go wake her up."

I can only imagine this conversation as I was sleeping, blissfully unaware of my siblings bickering over who was going to tiptoe into my room to wake me up.

I love to sleep and it shouldn't be a secret to those who really know me. And for those of you who don't, I LOVE TO SLEEP! I had always thought that I should be embarrassed by the fact that I could sleep in until 10 or 11 if allowed. I was reading an article in my Real Simple magazine and the author is the same way! I felt like I was given permission to sleep.

Please don't imagine that I can't get up because I do, everyday at about 5am. I am a classic night owl and would love to go to bed about 1am and get up about 11 or 12 with no feelings of guilt. Once I am up, I am fine but getting up is another story. When the alarm rings, I hate everything. Life, Work, The Alarm Clock, Little Puppies. I have to get up so I do because I am a responsible adult. But sometimes, after Seminary, when I don't have to go to work I go back to bed. Oh the wondrous sleep I get after Seminary. Bundled up against the cold and blissfully unaware of the goings on of the outside world.

When RCH and I were in High School we often imagined that we would establish a community of Night Owls. Bookstores would be open only at night as would grocery stores and every other kind of store. Schools would start about noon and get out at four. There would be no going to bed early or getting up early. It would be the perfect world. Then we grew up.

Going back to the title of this post, I am the sleeping dragon if you wake me up in the wrong way. There is a right way and a wrong way to wake me up. Maybe I'll write about that sometime.

Polling Along

2009-01-22T10:42:00.003-06:00

A new poll has appeared on the side bar. Are you a night owl or a morning person? Leave any comments, in the comments. I am personally a night owl. I love to stay up late and sleep in late.

Happy polling!

Book Worm Wednesday

2009-01-21T11:43:00.003-06:00

The book for this week is a non-fiction World War II book called Brothers in Battle, Best of Friends by William "Wild Bill" Guarnere and Edward "Babe" Heffron with Robyn Post.

If any of you are familiar with Band of Brothers that was on HBO these were two of the men from the 101st Airborne, Easy Company. They tell their story and it is quite fascinating. I bought it on Saturday and finished it last night. It was a quick read and I loved it. I am not sure why I love WWII history so much but I find that it is important to remember our history and this is one part that interests me. If you love military history you'll love this book as well.

Keep reading!

Nostalgia: Simon and Garfunkel

2009-01-14T08:39:00.004-06:00

For Christmas Mom and Dad gave me a CD of favorites from Simon and Garfunkel. As I was listening to it the other day and particularly to one song I thought about my senior year of high school.

One of my best friends, RCH, liked to make me mix tapes in high school and she would often put one or two Simon and Garfunkel songs on there. Cecilia was one of my favorites and the other was the one about organdy but I can't remember the title.

The problem was that my car, the infamous Flipper-Myrtle-Turtle-Wood, didn't have a radio. Well, it did while my dad was driving it from Oregon to Utah but then it quit working. RCH said it was no problem so we "borrowed" a radio with tape player from her mom's house. I think her mom missed it but only really knew it was missing when RCH brought it back at the end of the year.

Imagine, if you will, me and RCH and Beckle the Freckle driving around the thriving metropolis of Bountiful, UT in my 1973 powder blue Nova with the "boom box" radio with the tape player on the floor of the passenger side rockin' out to Simon and Garfunkel and the like.

I never had to wash that car either because the paint was so faded that it NEVER showed dirt. We had lots of fun in that car. Now as I'm driving my Ford 500 and listening to Simon and Garfunkel I remember those carefree days with two of the most important people in my life.

Polling Along

2009-01-14T08:37:00.001-06:00

That's three posts in one day. Hope you are all happy. But what else do I have to do? I don't have to go to work.

This poll is fun. Trust me and answer it.

That is all.

Book Worm Wednesday

2009-01-14T08:30:00.003-06:00

Today's book is October Sky by Homer Hickam. You may remember the movie that came out a few years ago by the same name and I can tell you that the book is better. I know that is usually the case in the situation of books vs movies but I thought I should let you know.

The book is about Homer who lives in a small mining town in West Virginia during the early 1950's. He doesn't want to end up in the mine like his grandfather and father. Instead he wants to build rockets. The book follows his determination to go to Cape Canaveral and work in the space age. It is very interesting and one that I've read several times.

Go read it. You'll like it!

Did you know?

2009-01-14T08:22:00.002-06:00

That there is a font called Year Supply of Fairy Cake on Microsoft Word 2007? How weird is that? The font is cool though.

Polling Along

2009-01-08T16:25:00.001-06:00

I know all of my dear readers have missed this little addition to my blog. So go over to the sidebar and take the poll about new years resolutions. It will be fun! Leave any additional comments...in the comments. (That sounds weird)

Its 2009

2009-01-08T16:16:00.003-06:00

That rhymes. How fun.

Anyway, I have been reading lots of my friends blogs about resolutions etc etc and I have figured out over the years that I am no good at making or keeping those.

For instance at one time or another I've vowed to get organized. I buy cute day planners and they last through February. So I've quit doing that. (Until today when I found a cute tiny one at Target)

I also have said I want to lose weight. Who hasn't made that resolution at least once or 500 million times in their life? I know that I keep making it and breaking it. I've also said that I want to exercise more regularly and get in better shape. Does that mean I'll be a size 2 anytime in the near future? No. Never happen.

So I wanted to share some of the things I plan on NOT doing this year.

* I am not going to obsess over my marital status nor allow it to color my daily life. I'm going to live my life and see what happens. I am however going to try...as soon as I have the courage to do it.

*I am not going to obsess over trying to be the perfect Seminary teacher. I have good days and I have bad days. But at the end of the day what is really important is that I love those kids as much as if they were my own and that is perfection to me.

*I am not going to stress out about things I cannot control. (Perhaps vent about them to others..of course!)

*I am not going to beat myself up if I miss a day of exercise, scripture reading or some other thing I am trying to incorporate into my life this year.

*I am not going to be unhappy. I am going to be happy with me because then you can share your love with everyone around you.

See ya around 2008.
Here's to a great 2009.

To clarify...

2009-01-08T09:57:00.006-06:00

I liked the Twilight movie. I know that many of you might find that hard to believe after my previous post but those were only suggestions to make the movie EVEN BETTER! I've seen it many times..but not as many times as I saw Titanic in the theatre but I've seen it more than once. Let's just leave it at that.

I loved the music so much that I bought the CD.

I thought Edward and all of the other vampires looked good. My fellow obsessive Twilight friend (name has been omitted to protect the innocent) says that when Carlisle first comes on screen he is wearing too much make up but I disagree. I think he looks HOT!

Ahem..where was I?

I loved Emmet and Rosalie, Jasper and Alice. Although I will say that Jasper was shorter than I imagined him and also looked like he was going to puke for most of the movie and he had 8 lines. Yes 8, I've counted.

The baseball scene was cool and is probably my favorite.

I really did enjoy this movie and I plan to buy it when it comes out on DVD. (At first I wrote video and I knew some of you would decide I was older than dirt for using that verbage.) (Is that how you spell verbage?) (Is that the correct usage of verbage?) (RCH?)

In case you are worried that all I've seen lately is THAT vampire movie I also saw Valkyrie and Bedtime Stories over the holidays and they were good.

That is all.

Dear Summit Entertainment: An Open Letter

2009-01-03T19:38:00.004-06:00

After much discussion with my a fellow obsessed Twilight fan I would like to offer up these few suggestions for Twilight on DVD and also to continue through to New Moon if applicable.

Please make Edward less hairy. The book describes him as smooth as granite. I've never seen something like a granite counter top with hair. Could he do some waxing for New Moon?

Please make Edward sparkle more in the sun. He needs to be sparklier and not just look like he rolled in glitter. He's supposed to walk out in the sunlight in Italy and have the Volturi want to kill him. As it stands now they might just laugh.

Please let the humans eat something! Every time there are cafeteria scenes the girls are eating celery and the boys aren't eating anything. Then Bella makes a salad and doesn't eat it!

Please use a smaller cannula (the oxygen thing that goes in Bella's nose) so that it doesn't look like the cannula is eating Bella's face.

Please help Edward say worried like an American. Also Hello.

Please avoid any references to monkey's, spider or otherwise.

I think that is all for now. If we think of anything else we will let you know.

Thanks,
K2 and a mystery guest.

Howdy there from Christmas land!

2008-12-24T13:22:00.006-06:00

Its Christmas EVE!! I can't believe that the holiday has snuck up on me so fast. Just a few catching up things since I haven't blogged in a while.

Christmas Cards
I totally suck at these. There have been years that I have actually bought cards, addressed them (and yes even put on stamps) only to find them in February and then remember why I don't send them out.
This year mom and dad got this really good picture of the whole family (all 9 of us!) put on a card so I've sent a few of those out. If you want one and I don't have your address or you don't get one in the next week send me an e-mail with your addy so I can send you a pic with the cutest nephew in the world in it!

Seminary--the longest week of my life
I have two school schedules that I have to worry about for Seminary this year so we had to meet the last week of school during finals. I think the kids and I were never so glad for Seminary to end last Friday. We had a party and I gave them candy then sent them to school. Love those kids.

Facebook
I am addicted to O Christmas Tree. What is wrong with me?

Twilight--the movie
I've seen it a few times. I refuse to confess how many for fear that most of you will make fun of me. I could probably quote most of it by now though.

Christmas Presents
Love to give them..love to get them.

Christmas Music
Listening to it right now.

My new phone
When my brother asked me if I wanted a new phone I wasn't so sure because I felt greedy like I didn't really need a new phone. However, when he told me I could get one with a full keyboard for texting and it wouldn't cost me one red cent I was totally on board. I love my brother and I love my new phone.

Christmas shopping
I actually got it done before today and stuff in the mail to those who are spread all over this fair country of ours. Fun times.

Merry Christmas to all of you. I hope that you enjoy the holidays and pause to think about Jesus Christ our Savior and what He has done for each of us.

LOVES TO YOU ALL!!!!

Polling Along

2008-12-12T20:11:00.002-06:00

Yes, my friends, it is time for a Christmas poll. Which out of the four options do you think is the most annoying Christmas song? I personally like them (except for the last one) but I thought it would be fun to get your opinions. Don't see one that should have made the list? Add it in the comments!

Now go vote!

I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas...

2008-12-12T19:58:00.002-06:00

Yes, that is on the list but the unrealistic list. I have a few friends who are requiring a list for Christmas so I thought I would write a post about it. So, in no particular order, here is my wish list for Christmas. Please do not see this as a plea to get me anything..just if you are requiring ideas.

1. Twilight the score. Not the soundtrack, I already have that because I'm a nerd like that.
2. Dark Knight DVD
3. Iron Man DVD
4. Gift cards to Target, Barnes and Noble or Borders. Take your pick.
5. Any kind of church book because I'm a nerd like that.

I think that rounds out the top five. I don't really want/need a lot. I always need books but I think that most of you know that by now.

And the hippo if you can manage it.

Love you,
k2

An Early Christmas Present OR I am a nerd

2008-12-11T12:50:00.002-06:00

Last night I got an early Christmas present from my parents. We all went and saw Neil Diamond in concert. It was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know what most of you are thinking, what a nerd! And you're right. The music was great, the band was great and Mr. Diamond himself was GREAT with a capital G!!!! He sounded just like he does on CD so I wasn't disappointed and he put on a great show. We were on the right side of the stage in row S but we had great seats.

We even got two shows for the price of one thanks to the family of three sitting in front of us. I would guess that the parents were in their late 30's and their son was around 11 or 12. That kid knew every. single. word. to every. single. song. Then he and his mom would sing them to each other. It was so much fun just to watch him.

So thanks mom and dad for the tickets. You guys are wonderful! LOVE YOU!!!

Dear Fox: An Open Letter

2008-12-04T21:22:00.002-06:00

Dear Fox Channel,
I hate you. I guess hate is a strong word but I am very sad. On Tuesday night as I was watching my new favorite show, Fringe, I found out that new episodes won't be occurring until January.
JANUARY? ARE YOU SERIOUS?
Ahem...
No Joshua Jackson? No mysterious Pattern? No Olivia? Nothing? Nada? Nil? What is up with that?
I'm not sure I can live without Fringe and I just wanted you to be aware.

K2

Can it really be this hard?

2008-12-04T21:01:00.001-06:00

So after my poll, I decided to give the old Internet a try. I will be careful I promise and y'all can come along for the ride. It will be fun. I hope.
Anyway, I went to my first site today to sign up but became stumped. I can never figure out what to write for the "introduction" part of the profile. I want to sound cool so people will want to date me but at the same time I feel like I'm bragging about myself. I guess that is what you want to do. Kind of like an interview for dating.
How sad is that? An interview for dating?
But I digress....
I figured since most of you know me pretty well, what would you write if you were me? It doesn't have to be long to start with but how do I portray myself and who I am in mere words? So, dear readers, please help me out. Write something in the comments you think I should include in my profile.

And thanks!

Book Worm Wednesday

2008-12-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

This book for this week is The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs. Jacobs tries to live, as far as possible and legal, the bible as closely as he can. This is another page turner and one I just picked up because I enjoyed the idea of someone trying to do this. Although born into a Jewish family Jacobs considers himself an agnostic but comes to a different conclusion at the end of his year long experiment. It was interesting to find things out about the bible that I didn't know and also since I was coming off of a year of teaching the Old Testament and going into the New it was fascinating to see another point of view on some of the Mosaic laws. Its a quick read and another you won't want to put down.

Polling Along

2008-11-28T16:08:00.002-06:00

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I put up a new poll so just go on over and take it! Please leave comments if you have anything to say. Thanks!

Book Worm Wednesday

2008-11-26T08:00:00.000-06:00

The book for this week is Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. I haven't read this book lately but I think I'll put it on my list to read. Its a non-fiction book that weaves two stories. One is about the world's fair in Chicago and the inventions and innovations that we have because of it. The other is about a serial killer who found prime targets at the Chicago's World's Fair because of all the young ladies who had moved to Chicago because it was one of the more popular cities at the turn of the century. It is very interesting to watch Larson weave and put these two stories together. This is a book that you won't be able to put down and is a thrilling ride all the way to the end.

Why my mom should join Facebook (an open letter)

2008-11-25T14:59:00.004-06:00

Dear Mom,
I know that you don't want to do Facebook (FB) now or ever. I have tried to talk you into it several times but to no avail. I know that you read my blog so I thought I would list a few reasons you should join FB and be cool like the rest of us.

You could reconnect with old friends..like from High School or other places we used to live.
You could see pictures of Little G that aren't sent to your phone. For instance, did you know that Liz posted a whole group of pictures with him in all of his hats. If you were on FB you could have seen them by now.
You could not only be your kids mom but their FRIEND too.
You could be friends with Dad and then tell everyone on FB that you are
married..just so everyone is clear.
You could see pictures of your kids that OTHER people post.
You would be popular I am sure. I can think of at least 20 people
right now that I would suggest to be your friend.
You are cool like that and FB would only make you cooler.
You love me.
You love me the most and I am your favorite.
You love me the most, I am your favorite and shouldn't that be enough?

See mom? There are plenty of reasons to join FB. I only wrote down 10 because I was running out of room. But seriously, you should think about it. I love you!!!

Kainty

Be a Follower!

2008-11-25T12:53:00.002-06:00

Come on! Its easy peasy to become a follower of this blog. Just scroll down on my right hand side bar and click on Follow This Blog. It is way easy and you can even follow anonymously for all of you blog stalkers out there! Be part of the cool crowd and follow my blog.

Polling Along

2008-11-24T11:48:00.001-06:00

There is a new poll regarding your favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal. I prefer Pie and Gravy but not together! You all should know me better than that! Love you!

6 Quirky things about me

2008-11-24T11:45:00.000-06:00

My sweet friend Tara tagged me for this so I had better do it! She is a mom with 2 kids and she still manages to find time to do a tag so I think I should.

PS. I like the word quirky its fun.

1. Probably one of the quirkiest things about me is that I have this aversion to things that, to me, feel weird. For example, velvet, velour, corduroy, some silks, some microfibers (like on couches), some fleece (especially micro fleece) and when cotton balls rub together. EWWW! I am getting chills just thinking about it. Once, when I was about 15, my mom got me the most beautiful dark green jumper dress from Eddie Bauer made out of corduroy. I thought I could maybe wear it to church if no one touched me. Unfortunately, I only made it through Sacrament meeting before demanding to be taken home so I could change out of said dress. The fabric of the dress rubbing against the fabric on the pews almost drove me over the edge. A fun game my siblings like to play is to chase me around and try to rub said fabrics on me. Jerks. But I still love them.

2. When I am in the shower I have to do the same things in the same order or I get confused. Like this one time when I went to put conditioner on my face because I did everything out of order.

3. I also have to eat my food in order. Is there something wrong with me here?

4. This one isn't so much quirky as a puzzle to me. At work, I am super organized and I know where things are. I do a little bit of piling but mostly I do a lot of filing. I have folders in a real file cabinet and everything! AND on my computer! Holy cow! Now, if you were to take a peek into my room at this moment you would find (in no particular order) stacks of books, clothes on the floor, my suitcase from when I went to Utah still lying there. I figure that since I'm going to pack it in a month to go to KC why put it away. You will also find my bedspread on the chair next to my bed not on my bed. I should have thought longer and harder about purchase of said bed spread because the dog hates it. Its too slickery for her to lay on so she gets on my bed and does a little dance to mess it up and knock all of the pillows on the floor. You will also find stacks and stacks and STACKS of paper..mail and other junk that I can't make myself throw away. Its quite sad actually. I wonder why I'm so different in these two parts of my life.

5. I'm not sure if I can come up with 2 more quirky things. Hmmm.... Oh, here's one. When I was really sick, before dialysis (and maybe for some time after I started) I watched Apollo 13 every night without fail. I think I've seen that movie like 14 or 15 times..probably more than that. I honestly think I watched it every night for a month but I can't exactly remember and I don't want anyone to think I'm a total freak.

6. Sometimes I wish I was Anne of Green Gables and life was more simple than it is now.

I tag anyone who wants to do this list! Have fun!

Book Worm Wednesday

2008-11-12T20:30:00.002-06:00

This isn't an official Book Worm Wednesday but merely an inquiry. I can't wait to do a new poll so I thought I would just do a post.

Dear Readers,
A while back I started a feature called Book Worm Wednesday where I would review a book I had recently finished. If you ever read it, did you like it? Was it informative or did you get sick of it? Is it something you would like to see resurrected back on the blog? Do you care?
Also, while we're on the subject of books I would like to apologize for the lack of movement on the side bar regarding the current book I am reading. I think the book on there now was like 12 or 15 books ago. Sad huh? I guess if I kept up my blog better I could change it. Sometimes I'm reading a couple of books at time. Would that be confusing if I put two on there?
Just leave a comment and let me know.

Thanks and loves,
K2 :-)

Polling Along

2008-11-11T13:32:00.002-06:00

There is a new poll! Thanks for answering the last poll. I don't feel so alone in the world of Christmas shopping.
This poll is about organization and you'll see why I want to know if you read the entry before this one.
Enjoy!

When there is nothing to write about....

2008-11-11T13:13:00.002-06:00

What do you write about when there is nothing to write about? One of my former English teachers, Mrs. Bean, would say to write until you feel like writing. Is that like praying until you feel like praying? Probably. I guess its a good way to start writing your feelings and just putting down whatever you can think of to write. I've also been tagged for a couple of things that I need to get to so I'll get to those soon I promise.

Playing the piano
I have always enjoyed the piano and have finally gotten to the point where I have thanked my mother for "making" me take lessons AND practice. She was so mean back then! :-) But now I appreciate it. This does not mean, however, that I want to do so at the drop of a hat. Case in point: I was in choir this past Sunday and having found out we do not have a pianist for next week, I was volunteered. I don't play for choir. It makes me nervous and uncomfortable. I don't play well and my lack of ability become highly magnified if people have to sing or depend on me to hear their notes. So I turned them down..probably not in the best way but in my stubborn, Kathryn way. All of you probably know what I mean.

Christmas
Christmas shopping is already stressing me out. Why, oh why don't I start earlier? Why am I not smart enough to start in like, September? At least my sibling gift is out of the way, we are going to donate to a college fund for little G so I am excited about that. But what about my parents, RCH and Beckle the Freckle, AND their kids? AHHHH!!! What about my employees? See? Its stressing me out!

Birthdays
I have an aunt who is amazing when it comes to birthdays etc. Even if no one else sends you a card you can guarantee that you'll get one from her. I think it is so great because I totally stink at birthday's. I still haven't sent a card to Lizzie..from AUGUST!!! I missed one of my best friends birthdays and now I know it and I STILL haven't called him. Em and Matt didn't get cards yet..I even BOUGHT THEM!! They are in my card organizer that is supposed to make me ORGANIZED!!! But has it? Um..no.

And speaking of organization:

Being Organized
This is something that has baffled me for a long, long time. Perhaps its just in my nature to be a piler as RCH says instead of a filer. I like to file things away and at work I am different but my room at home looks like a tornado, a hurricane and a flood all happened at once. I make resolutions to be "more organized" but I'm not really sure how to do that. One of my cousins is WAY organized and every time I go to her house I am amazed at her system. Maybe I should ask her to help me next time she comes. I don't even want to talk about my closet. Its like a black hole..if you put something in there..it isn't coming out.
Although, part of my problem is I have too much stuff for the space I live in. Its not my fault or the fault of where I am. At this stage of my life there are things I have I can't use, like dishes. But I don't want to get rid of them because I may live on my own again some day so I'll need them and I don't want to buy more. I look at other people and I seriously wonder how they do it.
The other part of the problem is that I am an insane pack rat. I keep everything! But I just can't bear to give or throw things away that have sentimental value. I've considered taking pictures and making a scrapbook but I think I would feel guilty for getting rid of things.
What are some things all of my dear readers do to stay organized? Create a post on your blog or leave a comment.

People are weird
That is all I have to say about that.

I guess I wrote more than I thought I would. Loves to you all and keep on trucking!

Funeral and other things

2008-10-31T13:54:00.000-05:00

Last week I didn't really read any blogs or write on mine so I thought I would treat you today to how my week went.

We found out last Saturday, October 18th, that Grandma Kieffer had passed away. We spent that evening looking for flights and trying to find the cheapest one we could for such short notice. We also called some family members to give them the news.

On Sunday I went to church and that evening we headed to the Atlanta airport to fly to SLC so we could begin planning Grandma's funeral. We left at 9:15pm our time and arrived in SLC at 11:15 or so their time. We didn't get to bed until, what felt like, 3 am our time. It was crazy but I was so glad to finally be there. We went to Uncle Stan's and Aunt Donna's and crashed.

On Monday we had breakfast with Uncle Stan and Aunt Donna and then headed out to Bountiful. We went to the mortuary first to proofread the obituary (good thing..Panguitch is spelled with a "g" and not a "q") and also to look at the casket. Apparently, the day before everyone thought Grandma had picked out a green casket but we ended up going with a silver one with a pink tint. It was very beautiful. We also went with Aunt Lois and Uncle Alvin to Mr. Mac's, a suit store in SLC, to get them both a new suit for the funeral. Followed up by lunch at Robintino's. Mom and Dad left to go back to South Jordan and I spent the evening visiting.

On Tuesday Aunt Lois, Uncle Alvin and I went grocery shopping before we went to pick up their daughter, my cousin, Kristi from the airport. We were all excited that she was able to come to the funeral. After picking her up we went to lunch at Grandma K's favorite Chinese restaurant and then we went to Macy's for a little funeral shopping. I had to look cute right? And Grandma would have wanted me to have a new "blouse". I had fun hanging out with my cousin and her parents. I don't get to see them that often so we had fun.

On Wednesday the viewing was scheduled from 6pm to 8pm that night. Aunt Lois was planning to have the family come up afterwards so much of the morning was spent cleaning and getting things ready. Kristi and I went to the funeral home to help my other aunt and cousin dress Grandma. I never thought it would be something I could or would want to do but it turned out to be a really neat experience and I am glad I went. Grandma looked great and I even touched her a few times. I was really pleased with myself. The viewing that night was actually a lot of fun, like Grandma was. I didn't cry like I did at Grandma Ward's viewing. It was fun to see family and we even had a few friends stop by. The Rizzuto's and the Cleverly's came as well as the VanUterits who we hadn't seen for years. That night we ate, played card games and hung out as a family. It was a good day.

On Thursday, the day of the funeral, my siblings arrived at the house and we all got ready for the funeral. I left early with Kristi and her parents so I could practice the piano before everyone else arrived. Grandma still looked good and things were going as planned. Two of Mom's brothers came as well as my Great Aunt Dot and Uncle Dean who are well into their 80's. It was nice to see the support we got. Our family alone filled up half of the chapel. The family prayer was given my another cousin, Kristi's brother Mike and this is when I really cried. I was standing at the back of the room while my siblings were near the front. I was standing by my BIL Kyle and he gave me a little squeeze so that was nice. (Thanks Kyle!) The funeral went really well with each of Grandma's kids giving a talk and the bishop of their ward as well. I cried a lot but it was good for me to do that. It was a release. Another cousin sang and she did a great job. After we got back to the church after the cemetery we had a lovely luncheon provided by the Bountiful 25th Ward Relief Society. It was great to talk to people I hadn't seen in so long and find out who was and wasn't on facebook and tell everyone to be my friend! That night we had more people up to the house and just had a great time.

On Friday we had family pictures taken by another cousin so we could have a recent picture. I got to hold my nephew, Little G, lots and lots. We went out to Gardner Village and had a good time there. That night we spent with Mom's family and again I saw cousins I hadn't seen in many years and told them to be my friends on facebook. It was a great night and very relaxing after a stressful couple of days.

On Saturday, we said good-bye to my siblings and then Kristi, me and her parents went to her brothers for dinner. It was nice to be with family and I was so tired from everything that I was glad to do nothing. Their kids are really cute and I enjoyed getting to know them. Everyone else played Settlers of Cataan and I watched. It looked too much like thinking and I just couldn't do it.

On Sunday we went to the airport, got on a plane and came home to the ATL. It was a good trip full of sad and happy moments. I laughed and cried. Most of all, it was a great time to reconnect with family and remember what this life is truly about.

Polling Along

2008-10-29T17:40:00.001-05:00

Thanks to everyone who answered my poll about checking blogs. At least I'm not alone out there.

I have put up a new poll about Christmas shopping and if you're done or not. I always think I want to start early but I never do. Speaking of which I need to get the gift list out to the siblings pronto. AHHHH!!

Polling Along

2008-10-19T16:11:00.001-05:00

Thanks to everyone who answered the poll about your favorite book of scripture to study. I don't think I could really pick a favorite. I love Doctrine and Covenants and Church History but I really enjoyed teaching the Old Testament. There are a lot of great stories and doctrines in there.

The new poll is up. How often do you check various blogs during the day? Let me know! :-)

Leaving on a jet plane

2008-10-19T16:07:00.003-05:00

Mom, Dad and I are leaving today in about an hour to go to Utah. Grandma Kieffer passed away last night about 5:00 my time. We are saddened and will certainly feel the loss but are happy for her. She is having, I'm sure, a joyous reunion with her husband, father and mother, siblings and others who have gone on before her. That, at least, gives me some solace.

I went to church today and the closing song was "God be With you 'til We Meet Again." too hard to sing but definitely a true sentiment today. Until we meet again Grandma. I love you.

Polling Along

2008-10-10T09:31:00.003-05:00

Since the location off the new temple in Kansas City was announced I decided to put up a new poll. The new poll is about your favorite book or books of scripture to study. I am not saying that there is one book that is better than an other..its just a survey for fun!

Christmas Gifts

2008-10-10T09:24:00.001-05:00

Dearest readers I need your help. My siblings and I, along with their spouses, have traded names for Christmas for the last few years. Because there are so few of us some of the spouses have to give to each other which I guess isn't so bad but it can be hard to figure out a rotation that will work out for everyone. I am in the market for any suggestions on how to go about doing a rotation in my family. There are 6 of us, 8 including my parents which we might include in the rotation this year but I haven't quite decided. So, faithful readers, please help! Thanks!

Update: A Temple in Kansas City

2008-10-08T15:42:00.002-05:00

The location of the newly announced Temple in KC has been confirmed/announced by the church. It will be in Shoal Creek so it will have a MISSOURI address. That is awesome. Who would have thought that we would have a temple so soon in KC? I simply cannot wait for it to be done so I can come and go to the open house. Rock on.