Start by meeting everyone early on Wednesday to go to the amazing "Blue Plate Diner" in SLC If you don't order their fabulous homemade hash, you missed out! Heaven on a plate, just ask my kids who could not keep their grubbby hands off of mine! I could have hit this spot up for breakfast every morning. We will be back for sure!
Do fun decorations from leaves gathered from Davis and St. George. Chandler and I made these to decorate the condo with. I had done this with my Wolf Scouts for their "leaf collection" and knew Chan would love it, he always wants to do a "project" (note: it isTrader Joe's Candy Cane Joe Joe's time..yeeessss!)
One more Banner, with this mandatory tradition playing on TV
No gathering is complete without a casual, low key, non competitive game of "Phase 10" in the Wiscombe house. (and Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels). I really hate to brag, but please look closely at that score, if you cant read it says mom (me) 110, the lowest points by far. I pretty much skunked the rest of those losers. They were not happy, perhaps they will have a chance over the Christmas break to beat me (I highly doubt they can actually do it) but it will be fun for them to try!
Lovely meal in the glorious Park City. We ate, then ate pies, then ate more. A complete celebration of glutony! OH SO GOOD!
And of course shopping on Saturday. We picked up this useful gift that will be sure to please the lucky recipient! We only bought one, so please everyone do not get your hopes up too high!!
Seriously, who wouldn't be tempted by this contraption after feasting for a month during the Holidays? I hope you aren't too jealous. If you act fast you may be able to pick up one or two of these beauties before they sell out, if you act now... (I am sure you always wondered who buys this truly priceless crap, now you know!) HAHAHAHA!
Chilly swim anyone?
No trip to SLC area would be complete without a visit to see Temple Square kicking off the season. So amazingly beautiful! The perfect end to Thanksgiving and beginning of the celebration of Christmas!
Are they adorable offspring or what? Well equipped for cold weather too! Why yes, Parker happens to be wearing the "slim away" (maybe Hannah and Chandler too) It makes them look so thin after consuming so much food the day before! Great results with that gadget I tell you! Get yourself one NOW!
The root of their good looks! Or something like that! (No "slim away" used for this photo incase you were wondering)
I found this quote on the employee portal at my work:
"Happiness comes when we stop complaining about the troubles we have, and offer thanks for all the troubles we don't have. Everyday take time to find something that makes your heart laugh and your sould smile. We all face difficult times in our lives but don't let your circumstances get you down." unknown author
This Chandler boy of mine is a funny kid! From a very young age, Chan LOVED to pack his own suitcase and has always done a top notch job doing this. Parker, age 15.5, still can NOT pack a suitcase for the life of him, it is not exaggerating if I tell you that once when we checked his suitcase for a week trip he had packed 1 pair of underwear (yes, I know, beyond disgusting), a pair of socks and two shirts, nothing else. Chandler will often volunteer to pack Parker's suitcase for him. I'm not sure if this kind gesture is because Chandler really likes to pack or if he has mercy on who ever might be traveling with Parker, either way it is a nice thing for everyone involved!
I met Shawn and the kids in the beautiful Park City for Thanksgiving. I packed light to avoid checking a suitcase. I knew if I didn't bring hair stuff, Chandler had my back on this!
Chandler's basket to keep himself looking handsome (it is rumored that he uses these products morning and night) Yes, he packed the entire basket for our 4 day get away. 2 bottles of cologne, plus he had the folks at Sephora make him a sample for easy packing. Because you never know what scent you might be in the mood for right?
Proving that when your hair looks great and you smell good, you can get away with wearing PJ's with feet in them while parusing the latest fashion magazine. Is he the cutest ever?
He even packed this little woooden chest so he would have somewhere to keep his headphones in at night! This kid does not miss a thing!
The pro-packer. Perfectly put together for some shopping on Park City's Main Street (because you have to look your best there) I think that grin was because he had a snowball ready to pelt me as soon as I took his picture.
I can not believe that I have not posted a thing since the end of summer! It seems life got busy, then chaotic with many crazy things happening. Then I thought..."Do I really want to continue doing this blog?" I pondered this for a while. Then as I tried to remember events, pictures etc from the past, I started looking back through the blog. It was a fun look at things that happen in everyday life of the family, things that my children will be able to look back on and see my quirkiness, and remember when the days, months and years move on. So I will continue to post, lighthearted ordinary things. I won't post about husbands being unemployed, not much mention about living apart due to many circumstances or trying to cope with my child going to Europe to be married. Some of these things are just too hard to write or even put into words. I will just continue to write things that I can look back on and laugh about, fond memories. I will post good times, because honestly I feel bombarded with anxiety and sadness every time I listen to the radio or watch the news. I could do post after post of trials, heartache and crap that life throws me, but why focus on that? We all have those sort of trials. So I suppose for the most part this will be the rosier side of life in the Wiscombe family. Good memories coming to this blog soon.....
I am certain that I am not the only person who goes to the incredible Davis Farmer's Market and buys this, and only this. That's right. Nope, no produce. No fruits. No veggies. Crack Corn and Hot Dogger Corn Dog.
I was asked to speak in church on being a "Modern Pioneer", a subject that I love. I very reluctantly took the assignment, despite the fact that speaking in front of people is the thing that strikes me with sheer terror (I am not exaggerating at all). I think I was compelled to speak because of the subject. This post is just a part of my talk, mainly written for me to remember just a few thoughts that are near and dear to me. If you don't want to read, stop here and just watch above inspiration with my favorite hymn ever. This guy is amazing! You get the sense of sheer joy watching him perform. A few thoughts from "the talk":
I have always loved any story regarding pioneers. I am continually amazed at their sacrifice and obedience, which they demonstrated. I admire the their faith and hope and inner strength. I have also felt rather inferior when it comes to these qualities and the trials, which they seemed to so bravely face. I know I would not have made a good pioneer. Here are a few personal examples so that you might understand my inferiority complex.
I have ancestors that joined the church in Sweden, the Poulson’s. Their desire was to join the saints in America. They planned to sale their home and their belongings to do this. Rumor quickly spread of their plan and neighbors refused to buy their home or belongings because they were joining a cult. They had the faith to leave their earthly goods unsold and behind to make the journey using great faith and little money. I am afraid I would have been left on the dock, crying and grumbling because I could not take more than one pair of shoes. Those of you that know me well could vividly imagine this scenario.
Another ancestor was traveling with Brigham Young to the Salt Lake Valley. As the Saints approached, my brave ancestor Thomas Karren was sent ahead to make sure that this was indeed “the right place” I am sorry to say this great navigational skill was not passed on to me, because I have no sense of direction without my GPS, and I am certain that if I were leading, we would still be looking for the right place.
As I have read many accounts of Pioneers crossing the plains under extreme difficulty and with such faith and obedience, it leaves little doubt in my mind that if I had been there, we would be reading today about the girl that whined and complained and had such little faith that they chose to leave her alone on some desolate plain!
I am so very grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that knew I would not be able to hack the demands of pioneer life and put me on earth today! I am the first to admit that I love air conditioning, modern conveniences and more than a hard biscuit to eat when pulling a handcart up a rugged mountain! I am not pioneer material! But listening to the words of Elder Ballard gave me much to think about.
Elder Ballard
Oct. 2008 General Conference:
“Of course, our challenges are different today, but they are no less demanding. Instead of angry mobs, we face those who constantly try to defame. Instead of extreme exposure and hardship, we face alcohol and drug abuse, pornography, all kinds of filth, sleaze, greed, dishonesty, and spiritual apathy. Instead of families being uprooted and torn from their homes, we see the institution of the family, including the divine institution of marriage, under attack as groups and individuals seek to define away the prominent and divine role of the family in society.
This is not to suggest that our challenges today are more severe than the challenges faced by those who have gone before us. They are just different. The Lord isn’t asking us to load up a handcart; He’s asking us to fortify our faith. He isn’t asking us to walk across a continent; He’s asking us to walk across the street to visit our neighbor. He isn’t asking us to give all of our worldly possessions to build a temple; He’s asking us to give of our means and our time despite the pressures of modern living to continue to build temples and then to attend regularly the temples already built. He isn’t asking us to die a martyr’s death; He’s asking us to live a disciple’s life.”
Wow! I remember hearing this quote in General Conference and have always gone back to it. I am a modern pioneer! I can do hard things! I can have faith and show perseverance along my trail. I am pushing a spiritual and emotional handcart in these modern times. Each of us has our own trek in life. Like many of you, there are days that the burden seems more than I can handle, but miraculously I am always rescued by an answered prayer either in the form of a friend, spiritual guidance or a random stranger that helps lift whatever burden I might be carrying. I have seen many tender mercies while making this trek.
(that is my talk in a nut shell)
So to you, my fellow "modern pioneers" I say, "gird up your loins, fresh courage take!" Find joy in your journey. Help others carry their burdens and I promise that it will lift your spirits as well as theirs! I hope that when I do meet my pioneer ancestors that they will be proud of me, that I can implement their examples of courage and strength and obedience into my life. I can say that life is good, despite the crazy things that life throws us!
Also, as I researched my talk, I cam across the true and incredible stories of true modern pioneer LDS women. See side bar and marvel at their stories!
The crew celebrating the graduation of the Princess. Suki, the neurotic and anti social feline stood in for Braden, clearly she is thrilled!
So proud of this girl! Graduating with honors and attending Dixie next year on scholarship. WOOT! WOOT!
Every time she makes me do "duck lips" it turns out as "dork lips" (which is really the same thing) and then all I can do is laugh at her laughing at me and it ends in a hilarious uproar! The things we do for our kids right?
After grauation, Hannah headed to our favorite city. She is very fortunate to have a kind friend in Davis that has a really awesome condo right downtown San Francisco, so Lissi and her pal Kimi from St. George spent the week there playing and I joined them at night. This is the great view from the family room of condo. I got GREAT exercise in morning and night walking up Nob Hill to condo. It was a great week!
This video was done using member's of my St. George (Washington Fields) ward.
I think it is pretty awesome, but why wasn't the Wiscombe family in it? Off playing somewhere! Next time perhaps! They often use ward member's to help in their videos since the Piano Guys live there and have willing people when they need!
It is triple digit temps in St. George. My kids think the unlandscaped back yard is the perfect spot for a pool. I laughed several times when I received this not so subtle hint on my phone. Such clever kids. It is Shawn's birthday this week, I told them I will send him a pool in the mail, help dad blow it up and please take turns getting into it. It will be perfect!
I am sharing them with you, perhaps they may jump into your head for a while. I am not saying these aren't truly captivating and fun songs, they really are, but I need to share the joy!
I LOVE this one, somehow I can relate because often (as in every day) I wear my tight pants. Not because they are in fashion, but mine are just plain tight! And I am paranoid that everybody is talking about my tight pants!
And If you don't like that awesome video, try this one! I think all of the "mormon mom's" that take their toddler's to "music makers" every week should try this!
Yes, who knew that Jimmy Fallon was so very versatile?
Text from my friend Chris that said; "Meet me at chocolate factory for dinner" at first I thought it was auto correct and she meant cheesecake factory. Then I remembered who was sending me the text and knew that it was exactly where she intended to have a dinner solely of chocolate. She has done stranger things regarding chocolate! Yes, that is where dinner was served that night!
When the security guy (at the very fun Imagine Dragons concert with gal pals) asked me for my ID so I could get entrance into the bar. I LOVE that security boy. ( OK, yes, I know it is routine that EVERYONE gets ID'd, but let me fantasize for a minute please!!!)
Text that I sent to my kids (like every May the 4th) that said:"May the Fourth be with you!" I tell them the same thing annually, and they still LOL at me! If you aren't a Star Wars fan, never mind.
92 year old patient that is always dressed sharp from head to toe came in wearing a flourescent lime green MESH, very see through top, sporting a sexy lace bra underneath. If 92 year olds can rock and outfit, she did!! Spunky and always dressed for a night out when she comes in.
Note from my sassy niece that said: "Dear Aunt Sue, Please don't send my mother any more tight fitting muu muu's. She feels as if she doesn't have to wear a bra with them. Sincerely, Chicka
The above items prove that sometimes it is just the little things in life that bring us a smile!
A VERY SHORT UPDATE ON MY QUICK WEEKEND TRIP HOME TO ST. GEORGE:
THE PRINCESS IS CHOSEN FOR SENIOR BALL ROYALTY
HER SNAZZY DATE ERIC
MY FAVORITE PICTURE... IT MAKES ME LAUGH EVERY TIME. HANNAH TAUGHT HER DATE AND INSISTED THAT HE DO HER FAMOUS "TODDLER'S AND TIARA'S" POSE (sorry Lissi, I sold you out on your trashy show you love) SO DARN FUNNY IN REAL LIFE, TRUST ME ON THIS!
THE PRINCE TURNS 15! I LOVE THIS BOY, BUT HE IS IN THAT VERY SASSY AGE (imagine 3 year old, but bigger body and more emotion) HE IS A WITTY AND VERY ENTERTAINING KID. INFACT, HIS GREAT HUMOR MAY BE THE ONLY THING SAVING ME FROM GIVING HIM TO A KIND AND PATIENT FAMILY UNTIL HE IS OUT OF THIS SASSY STAGE , OR UNTIL HE TURNS 30!
ON A SIDE NOTE, CAN I JUST SAY HOW MUCH I LOVE THE ART AT THE SACRAMENTO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT "A TERMINAL"? THESE MAKE ME SMILE WHEN I SEE THEM. I THINK THEY ARE SO CLEVER. THE BRAND NEW TERMINAL IS GORGEOUS WITH SOME PRETTY COOL THINGS OF IT'S OWN, BUT THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT THIS VINTAGE LUGGAGE AND CART SCULPTURE THAT I ADORE!
If you have never met my amazing friend Jill, you are missing out! I can't tell you how much I love this girl. As you can see, she is one tough biker girl. She and her loveable husband Tom have not one, not two but THREE Harley Davidson motorcycles. They met in a Harley club. That's right, I roll with Harley gang members!
They go on some pretty cool rides. Jill is maybe 5'2". Don't let her size fool you, she is pure sassy! But she looks sweet on her Hog doesn't she?
If that doesn't make you think she is tough, she ALSO has TWO pit bull dogs! (watch out, they will lick your face off) Yeah, don't even mess with me, I have rough friends that can take care of business if needed. Did I mention she is a very loyal friend and would do ANYTHING for me?
Jill is always willing to go on adventures with me. This is us when we did the "Mothball Fleet" tour in the Bay. She loves doing new things as much as I do and is always up for anything. She is as comfortable shoe shopping as she is on her bike. This gal is versatile!
But I must warn you, when biker chicks go bad, this is what happens.......This morning when I was still in my PJ's before church, I hear hopping up my stairs, then a tapping on my bedroom sliding glass door. Who is it? My pal Jill bearing a basket FULL of Peeps and other goodies including "raisinettes" (our candy of choice that we sneak into the movies to share) She is a clever one. She found socks that match her lovely footy PJ's and put the socks over her "reindeer ears" and taa daa..instant Easter Bunny! She is a genius! But more importantly she is one of those friends that make life so much better because they are part of it! Thanks for making my day Jill!
Weekend may have included shopping for Victorias's Secret "Bombshell" Bra
Perhaps it even included some muu muu shopping.
Without a doubt it included taking strange pictures as if we were some 13 year old girl's and laughing ourself's silly!
All while being uplifted on so many levels watching General Conference!
Thanks so much to these beautiful, silly gals that let me tag along and love me and all of my craziness! What ever would we do without girlfriends? We met "halfway" in San Luis Obispo (halfway meaning 2 hours from Bakersfield and 5 hours from Davis) But so worth the trip for good laughs, prudent advice, great food and much needed catching up! My sould is rejuvenated so many ways! Can't wait until we meet again!
I have been off work since I left early Tuesday. My neck is in spasm. This has happened before. It just randommly happens and it and it is excruciating!
The wise Dr. gave me muscle relaxants and pain pills. Oh sweet relief! She also said I should not return to work until Monday. This is a good thing. I can't function. I can't drive! It hurts to brush my teeth but I do it anyways!
I am going now to get acupuncture to help out as well.
I feel worse without the comforts of home and family! I am bored. I am in pain. So what do I do? I watched "You've got mail"... twice
I also subscribed to Hulu so I could watch some of my favorite shows. I am inspired by this one! INSPIRED I TELL YOU!
So inspired that I mindlessly ate half a box of these while watching up to season 7. Now I am in pain AND feeling like a loser!
