Gobble Gobble for TWO

It was just me and Mel for Thanksgiving. 

We had a blast. 

Derek, Rachel, Rose, Charlie, and Milo came into town. Allison and James opened their home for a Tuesday night soup and pie night. Rachel's long-time friend Chris came. We had a great time. Evidently Mac watched my location on Allison's phone for 30 minutes until I arrived. He was disappointed to see me stop for a bit (I grabbed McDonald's so I wouldn't arrive at 1:00 hungry). He had also asked Allison to stay away when I got there because if she's there, I talk to her instead of playing with him. Cute kid. He showed me the basement and gave me a picture he had colored. 

Derek and kids arrived. They all played well. Rose hung out with the adults. She's so funny and mature. I let each of the kids pick an advent calendar from the collection that I brought. We had a great dinner. Allison is an excellent cook. She made potato soup and chicken noodle soup. I made an Italian soup and apple pie and pumpkin pie. 

Wednesday I went walking with Cindy Brewer in the morning. Then I got a few last minute things I needed to make dinner. Mel came over and we watched Survivor and Amazing Race, followed by some holiday-themed baking shows. 

Thursday I got up and walked while talking with Maria Trump. We "go on walks" a lot. She's in California and I'm here. We arrange to walk while we talk on the phone. Derek and Rachel and kids went to mom and dad's, so I went over there after getting ready for the day. We visited for a couple of hours. Milo said he wanted to see my house, so Derek, Rachel, Rose, and Milo piled into my car and we went to my house. I started my turkey and my rolls, gave them a tour of my house that they hadn't seen yet, and drove them back to mom and dad's. 

I then made mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce. Mel and I ate around 4:00 pm. She made the most delicious sausage dressing. It was sooooo good. We had a fun little dinner with just the 2 of us. I dished up plates for mom and dad and we went to the movie. We saw "The Fabelmans," an autobiographical movie about director Stephen Spielberg. Some parts hit hime, like when the parents told their kids they were getting divorced and when college-aged Stephen told his dad that he hated school. It was a good movie, though. It was fun to see Spielberg's perception of his childhood/youth. 

Cute turkey that Jenifer and Cindy brought over. Jenifer makes these every year. 

Friday morning I went walking with Cindy Brewer again and with Jenifer Jarvis. Then we got in Cindy's hot tub. It was a wonderful morning. Mel and I took it easy and decorated the house for Christmas. Saturday was also a slow day. We slept in, got Chinese food at T-Bone, finished decorating, and just relaxed. We dished up a bunch of leftovers for Mel. I went to Starlyn's at 6:00 to watch Hallmark Christmas and Mel went back to Provo. Overall, it was a fun weekend with FaceTime video chats with Kamiko and Bekki and Allie. 

Mel and I got the same LAME fortune: "If not from trees, where does money come from?" She said "I guess it didn't matter which cookie I chose." TRUE.

This is me thinking about my anxiety

It's Sunday evening. I've been very stressed and anxious about the upcoming week. That seems to be the theme of every Sunday. I hope it gets better. I do have a lot for which to be grateful - friends, family, job, kids, house, car, ward, health, therapy. I can do this!

The annual "Thankful" poster

Dang Rona Finally Got to Mom and Dad

NOT a picture of mom and dad sick, but this post needed a photo.

I was driving home from work in early November and got a call from mom. She was crying and asked if I could meet her at the hospital. They had just taken dad to the ER by ambulance. I was halfway home, so I picked up mom and took her to the hospital. We took time to pack a bag for dad, then forgot to bring it. We made it back to dad's room. He had been very lethargic all day. Mom couldn't get him to wake up all day. He hadn't eaten or had much to drink. He couldn't sit on his own, so mom called 9-11. 

After tests, they let us know that dad had Covid Pneumonia. Whoa! We didn't see that coming. Mom thought he might have pneumonia because of the sound of his cough. We didn't suspect Covid though. Since I had a trip coming, mom had me leave the room. When it was time to hear results and the treatment plan, I went back in the room. Mom and dad's neighbor brought dad's bag because he was definitely staying at the hospital. We left shortly after 10 pm. Dad's oxygen levels were already better and doctors were encouraged. 

The next day they talked about sending dad home. Mom asked that they keep him one more night to keep an eye on him, which they did. He got rest and care. By the time he went home, mom had taken herself to the hospital to get tested for Covid. She tested positive. So, dad came home and mom had Covid. I was out of town by then. What a roller coaster. At least mom felt ok. They were able to take minimal care of themselves with the help of neighbors bringing in dinner. Their ward is really good to them. 

It's going to be a long road. Dad needs to take it easy. He worked in the shop earlier this week and that set him back a bit. He spent 2 days resting. I think they're resigned to resting at least through Thanksgiving. I'm glad it wasn't worse. 2 days in the hospital for dad and a quick visit for mom isn't bad.  

Disney with Stranger Things Gang

Me, Kristen, Sarah and Cam Christesen

When I was at Sarah and Cameron's house in July, Cameron told me I had to watch "Stranger Things," a very popular TV show. I told him there was no way I would watch it because it's scary and I live alone. He said I HAD to watch it. I said NO. He then tried to bribe me with merchandise from the Disney Store. I didn't bite. Then he offered me a one-day trip to Disneyland if I would watch an episode with him via FaceTime. "OK." 

I got back to Utah and we arranged the time to watch simultaneously. I loved the first episode. I spent my spare time the next few weeks watching all 4 seasons. We scheduled our Disney day and I bought my plane ticket. Kristen bought a ticket to join us and to be the 4th person. Sarah, Cameron, Kristen, and I went to Disneyland on Saturday, November 5. 

I made a paper chain to count down. We texted often in our "Stranger Things Gang" group chat over our excitement about the upcoming trip. Kristen and I arrived Friday around 1:00 pm. We took an Uber to Sarah's school. She's the office manager at a Jewish school in Orange County. We got to meet her co-workers and we got a tour of their beautiful campus. Then we drove to their welcoming home. We met up with their friend Lauren and her daughter, Lily, at a place called "Starfish." It's an Asian fusion restaurant and was amazing! Wow, it was delicious. We went to bed early to be ready for the big day. 

Thunder Mountain Railroad

So happy to see the beginnings of Christmas decor

Toy Story Mania

Starlyn loves Dory, so I had to take this picture

Silly Swings

Cute ticket - it's always fun to see what you get

Saturday we got up early and left their home at 7:30 to get to the park. There was an accident right at the entrance of the Mickey and Friends parking structure, so we went to the Toy Story parking lot. Good thing I know Disney. We started the day in Disneyland and our first ride was Thunder Mountain on our way to Star Wars Galaxy's Edge. We rode Pirates, Space Mountain, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Rise of the Resistance, and Buzz Lightyear. Cameron isn't a huge Disney fan and hadn't been in years. In fact, he'd never been to California Adventure. The weather was a perfect sunny 70-ish degrees all day. At 1:00 pm, we hopped over to California Adventure. Cam really liked Radiator Springs Racers. We did the Incredicoaster, Toy Story Mania, Web Slingers, Tower of Terror, and had delicious tacos. We also went on the Silly Swings.  It was such a fun day. By 8:00, we were going to go back to Disneyland to ride Haunted Mansion, but we decided we'd done enough, so we went home. I like leaving the parks on my own terms. It was fantastic. We grabbed Taco Bell and McDonald's (for Kristen) on our way home. We were tired. We had sore feet. It was GREAT.

Sunday we slept in, then went to breakfast at a French restaurant. We then went to their local farmer's market. I bought a beautiful cutting board. I just couldn't resist it. After the farmer's market, we went back to their house and rested. I napped a bit. We watched "Tangled" because Kristen had never seen it. We had leftovers for lunch and Sarah made a delicious dinner. She is such a great cook. We finished the day at the beach, watching the sun set. She and Cameron are the most fun hosts. They always have Diet Dr. Pepper, they ask if we want or need certain foods, and they make me feel so welcomed. I love visiting them and look forward to going many, many more times. 

This design is called drunken checkerboard

I had emails to deal with before flying home. I got answers when I landed in Salt Lake. I stopped at the grocery store, took a quick shower, then went to work for some Monday night meetings. Vacation OVER. 

Woo Pig, Baby!

Go Razorbacks!

Welcome Hogs!

Woo Pig, Baby!

Brett and Taryn Frazier, me, Lane Justus, Allie, Tina

My house was full of Razorbacks for almost a week. Lane and Taryn arrived on Wednesday night, October 12. The girls helped me get my new patio furniture in my backyard. Living in a middle unit, I don't have a gate, so we had to carry the furniture through my neighbor's gate, through their yard, and hand it over the fence. Lane and I carried it and Allie and Taryn stood on the other side of the fence. Brett came in the evening of the 13 and Tina came on the 14. I made a big welcome sign. I slept in my sewing room in the twin bed, Taryn and Brett got the guest room, and I borrowed a blow up mattress for my room, which I gave to Allie, Tina, and Lane. I love those kids so much. 

My bathroom was quite unrecognizable for a few days. I stayed out of it and used the guest bathroom

The BYU vs. Arkansas football game was Saturday, October 15 at 1:00 pm. Mel couldn't make it because of the filming schedule for the film she's working on. Bekki was invited to present at a conference, so she missed it too. Karen, Alan, and Elle Crockett drove from Colorado to join us and Kaleb and his boyfriend, Jake, came too. Mel's friends, Makei and Kobi, bought tickets with us months ago. 

We started the day with a yummy brunch. Allie, her friends, and I cooked until late Friday night. We made pigs in a blanket, fried chicken, and spinach artichoke dip. Kamiko brought chips and dip in the morning. Starlyn brought fancy buttermilk syrup to go with waffles. I provided orange juice and fruit. We set up corn hole and had a great morning. 

Lane, Brett, Allie, Kamiko, Tina, Makei, Kobi, Jake, Kaleb
Taryn, me

The Razorback Semi

Alan, Elle, Kamiko, Karen, Tina, Brett, Lane, Taryn, Kobi, Me, Allie, Makei, Jake, Kaleb

Woo pig, baby

The girls did craft night Wednesday and made tons of bracelets

Family

Taryn and Allie

Allie and Lane

After the game, Brett wearing the bowl he washed out in the restroom

Taryn brought me this cute shirt and this pin. She also brought a few tattoos

We got Starlyn, the biggest BYU fan, to wear a bracelet and tatoo

After the game - we really had a blast. 

Then we went to the game. Starlyn and Lee know a great place to park, so we followed them to the stadium. Alan suggested we take a photo at the cougar since we got there early. We walked to the cougar and also found the Arkansas truck and took photos there. The kids liked the stadium. It was a sunny, hot day, but I'd rather have that than frozen fingers and toes. BYU was first to score, then Arkansas scored. It went back and forth a bit, then Arkansas really hit it. They won 52-35. To say I had a great time with our hogs, eating chocolate cougar tails is an understatement. The kids taught me how to call the hogs. 

Someone asked me and Karen if we are friends. We said "oh, we're sisters!"

Lane, Taryn, Brett, and Tina couldn't believe how nice the BYU fans were. Every time they said "Woo pig, baby," someone would respond with "welcome to Utah." Lane said the BYU fans won't have such a warm welcome in Fayetteville next year. Evidently the away fan section gets treated to free BYU creamery ice cream. What a nice thing to do. Alan bought the nachos that come in a souvenir BYU bowl, which he gave to Taryn and Brett. They are so excited to use it as a popcorn bowl at home. 

The kids had plans to go to Salt Lake after the game, but they were so wiped out after 4 hours in the sun, that they stayed at my place. We watched the Utah game, which was pretty fantastic, then they went to JDawgs. I assumed the kids were leaving Sunday, but they flew out Monday, so we had dinner on Sunday. We invited Starlyn and Lee and mom and dad to come. We had lasagna, Allison's Caesar salad, garlic bread, and pie. Allie used to make pie in Arkansas and they all love it. It was a fun dinner. The kids ate outside on my patio with my NEW patio furniture. Starlyn, Lee, mom, and dad and I ate inside. Mel was able to come. Bekki was still out of town. 

I think I like football. It's 4 hours of relaxing and cheering and talking with friends and family. It's a great excuse to do nothing. No worries. 

Karen and I on a Monday morning walk. We try to get a walk in when she's in town.

Lake Powell + UAFCS Conference

This sink area was in our bedroom

Erin Holmes, Ashley Gibby, and Ashley Fraser

Ashely Fraser and Sarah Coyne on their evening ride

A wild ride

Lauren Barnes and Ashley LeBaron-Black

Ashley Fraser and Ashley Larsen Gibby

Dawna Baugh and I on the geriatric ride

Back of the boat. I went off the slide on the right

Lake Powell 2022. It was fantastic. The female faculty from the School of Family Life gathered on Natalie Hancock's parent's yacht at Lake Powell again and we had a great time. Last year, I was visiting faculty and had applied for my job and I was a bit awkward. I wanted the job and knew I had a pretty good chance, but it was still weird. This time I have the job and it made it way less awkward. Yay. 

Natalie and I drove down on Thursday after work. We finished class, then went grocery shopping for the trip. We got there around 10 pm. We really had a great talk going down there. We thoroughly enjoyed a quiet morning on Friday. The rest of the faculty didn't arrive until after lunch, so Natalie and I got some quiet lake time. I also got to go down the slide without anyone watching. It was fun. I went twice, but that was enough for me. 

Friday afternoon, many went out on wave runners. I had no desire to do that, so I hung out in the water. I actually got a place to sleep this year. Dawna and I shared a room. Dawna got the bed and I had the cuddy. It was very comfortable and I slept like a baby. Some women wanted to sleep outside. They liked it. I like a cozy bed. 

Your SFL Professors on the boat: Andrea Busby, me, Angela Bradford, Natalie (front row)
Dawna Baugh, Ashley Fraser, Ashley Gibby, Lauren Barnes (middle row)
Jocelyn Wikle, Ashley LeBaron-Black, Erin Holmes, Sarah Coyne (back row)

Saturday we watched the BYU football game. We lost. We went out on the boat. The first women on the tube had a really rough ride. Nobody else wanted to go until Dawna said she'd go if she got the geriatric ride. I agreed to join her. We had a blast. It was a mellow ride and fantastic. After that, many others went on the tube. I also went out on a paddle board with Jocelyn Wikle. She was so sweet. She asked a lot of questions about my path to BYU, my divorce, the kids, etc. I appreciate her asking. She said she really admired my hard work and resilience through the divorce. This trip allowed me some great conversations with some awesome women. Lauren Barnes made us a Biscoff cake. 

Many left Saturday night, others left Sunday morning. Natalie, Erin Holmes, and I were the lone 3 to close the boat. It was wonderful. Erin is the director of the School of Family Life. She is kind and smart. She is open to ideas and is committed to BYU and her testimony of Jesus Christ. I learned that she really likes to be in the water. It's so therapeutic for her. She and I spent some time in the water Sunday morning before cleaning and heading home. The drive home was great, too. She and Natalie and I had some great talks about work, students, life, etc. I really enjoyed my time. I really appreciate the Hancock's generosity in letting us use their space. 

Dawna received an award for years of service to the organization at our award's banquet

me, Dawna, and Natalie

The week after Lake Powell, BYU hosted the annual UAFCS conference. Dawna Baugh was in charge of the conference and I'm the president of the organization, so there was a lot to do. It is a lot of work to pull off a conference for over 100 participants. It went GREAT. Ben Bryner's brother, Jon, catered and the food was amazing. We had great classes. I taught a class on how to use an air fryer. Our keynote speaker was J Teresa Davis from BYU Multicultural Student Services. She shared some great thoughts on inclusion and standing up for others. Other classes included tours of Crumbl headquarters, tour of MF9 (company that helps entrepreneurs bring their ideas to fruition, including warehousing and shipping), and a walking tour of historic Provo homes. We had a class on textiles, a service project, a class on communication, and a class on interior design software. We got great feedback and I was really pleased with how it went. 

It was a TON OF WORK! I won't lie. I can't believe we did it. I will be working with my new colleague, Mary Lynn, to plan next year's conference. I'm excited to see what she comes up with. As long as it's not at BYU, it won't be a ton of work (I hope). I gave opening remarks and kept them brief. The theme was "We're Better Together." 

It's important that I'm involved in my professional organizations and it's a lot of work. Thank goodness for Dawna Baugh, Chad Gibbs, Natalie Hancock, Mary Lynn, and Troy Chilcott. They went above and beyond. I got to host a couple of teachers from St. George. I was happy to have them stay at my place, They were so kind to bring me gifts - not needed at all. 

It's over and that's all that matters now. 

October! Birthday Month!

October began with General Conference and Halloween pajamas. When I was in a recent SFLSA board meeting, the question of the week was "what conference tradition does your family have?" One student mentioned that her mom buys them all new pajamas. I found myself at Old Navy, looking for a cute shirt for fall - a shirt that could also work for study abroad - and I found Halloween pajamas. I decided to "trick or treat myself" and I bought them. I wore them to bed the night of September 30 so I would wake up ready for my birthday month. I love, love, love them and I've already thanked the student for the idea. General Conference was October 1 and 2. I was at Kamiko and Bekki's house, watching their dog, Jerry. He's a crazy spaz. I have since learned that I should have put him in his crate when I wanted to eat. That's the only way to keep him away from my plate. He was generally good, but I still don't want a pet. 

Me and Jerry on an early Friday morning walk

General Conference

Trick or Treat Yourself PJs

SFLSA is the student club. It stands for School of Family Life Student Association. I have been assigned to work with the club since getting my full-time job and I love it. The students are great. I'm really excited for our October activity, the Involvement Scare. Instead of Involvement Fair, it's a scare, where professors will be in their offices with decorations and candy. Students can walk around and visit professors and get information about TA and research opportunities. 

SFLSA Board Members

Allie flew into Utah on October 4. I picked her up around 10:30. Mel came with me. We got back to my house really late and I opened my birthday presents. I only got about 3 hours of sleep because we had to be on campus at 6:30 am for Allie to log in and teach. We had to do that on Wednesday, my birthday, and on Thursday. It was a tiring week. Starlyn surprised me with bakery cake, just like Jenny usually brings. She had messaged Jenny to ask her where she always got my cake. Dawna Baugh bought me lunch at Kneaders. Starlyn also brought candy for my students. One student, Rebecca, who is on the SFLSA board, decorated the lab with streamers. It was a super fun day! After work, Kamiko and Bekki and Mel met up with us at JDawgs for dinner, then we watched "Survivor" and got Italian Ice. My kids were so good to me. I got to talk to Jenny and she sent me a video of the missionaries sending "Happy Birthday" to me in Portuguese. Kamiko gave me his school picture as a present. I already bought a frame and it's in my office. 

Early morning call at the office

Wearing my new shirt and a cute Halloween apron that Jenny made me last year. Rebecca, the room decorator is behind me on the left. She's a sweetie. This whole group is great. 

Best present? YES

Best friend? YES

Allie will be here for 2 weeks total. Since she teaches at an online school, she can teach from anywhere, and it's fall break this week. University of Arkansas plays BYU this Saturday, so a lot of her friends are coming to watch the game. We have 14 tickets. I'm very excited. Taryn has already come and she brought me a pin and a t-shirt. I can't wait to wear them. Allie and Taryn went to Idaho for the weekend. I was determined to not do any work over the weekend, and I succeeded (minus a couple of emails). It was a relaxing weekend. My anxiety has been at an all-time high with student demands, concerns about my kids, and the crazy in the world and our country. I'm working with a therapist to get to the bottom of my fears. I'm making progress. Sometimes I find it hard to just breathe. It's difficult, but I'll get there. My family fasted for me yesterday and dad gave me a blessing. 

This will go on my garage door on Wednesday night