My Favorite Things.......

**The Concert.....THE Concert
My cousin Leslie and I, were privileged to see this person in concert.....this week. It was amazing. We saw her in Las Vegas the year before she retired from the MGM Grand. It was fun to have 2 experiences, together, to see Celine perform. I actually love that she is 41 and going strong. I love that she brought her aged mother and her 8 year old son on tour with her. I love that her marriage and child and family are such a priority. It is always a joy to see someone embrace what they love, be classy about it, and share their talent with others. It was VERY fun!


** My nieces
Whitney and Megan......aren't they cute? Whenever I get some time with them I am reminded of how good, inside and out, they are. They are darling, they are kind, they are fun, and they are very different from each other. And yet, that just seems to add to the fun they have together. Darren has 2 pictures in his office, one of me and one with Megan and Whitney. When I am with them, and get off the phone with Darren, it's always "hug and kiss the girls for me. Tell them that I love them." They feel like our children.....and we feel very generous that we share them with their parents! :o)

**Computer Dr's
Yep, we had to have a little physical done on our computer to keep it healthy and strong. I am NOT a hardware person, so it is a reminder that I am grateful for those who know more than I do and make things work on my computer. It's my lifeline to the outside world.

**My cousin Leslie
We are 2 of the only 4 granddaughters that are part of our mothers' side of the family. We are the oldest of our families and both have a younger sister, that we adore. To look at us, we are vanilla and chocolate. She's about 2 inches taller than I am with blonde hair and green eyes, while I am 2 inches shorter with dark hair and dark eyes. She's 48, and I'm 32. She's the oldest of the oldest sibling and I am the oldest of the youngest. And yet, all we know is that when we get together it is joy. We talk about anything and everything. She knows the deepest parts of me and I her, and it only adds to the depth of our bond. Treats, going to Costco, crying at movies, laughing at our family, crying about hard things, talking about our tender things, and working through those few things we might not see eye to eye on, only make something unbelievable, even better.

**My iHome
I got this as a gift 2 Christmases ago. I LOVE it. It is a radio and then I can attach my iPod to it and it plays everything on my iPod, while it charges my iPod. It's a lovely invention and I just love having it in my kitchen.

Thankfulness........this week

#1--NICKER

My nephew Nick is having a birthday this week....and turning 21. I realize that I am only 12 years older than the lad, but my feelings land somewhere in between feeling like his big sister to feeling like his mother to wanting to marry him myself because he's one of my best friends. He's quite an amazing human being.....and he just came that way. He's easy to talk to, he's interested in what you think and how you feel, he sees the good in everyone, he is kind to children and animals, he's hilarious, he's generous, he's a hugger, and he's very nice to look at. :o) I love you Nick......wish we were celebrating together!

#2--BONNIE the wee lass
No, she's not Scottish, but it just seems to fit. Bonnie, my sister-in-law, is also having a birthday this week. As being the first two women to marry into the Lotz Family (this generation), it's been fun to have someone on the ride who can make me laugh, who is sweet, who is grounded, who is real, who is also very hilarious, who is honest, and who sees the best in me. Not an easy task, mind you. :o) We've bonded over food, laughing at family stuff, crying at family stuff, exercise, blogging, childbirth, miscarriage, and everything in between. It's a gift to find a kin spirit. Happy Birthday Bonnie! Remember, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE OLDER......I am NOT your mother. :o)

#3--PRESIDENT'S DAY
A chance to fly the flag......a chance to feel grateful.....a chance for a day off.......again, feeling grateful.....a chance to embrace the freedoms we enjoy......a chance to feel thankful that even with tax season, it's still the greatest country in the world.....a chance to realize January is over......again with the gratefulness......a chance to pause, to think, to ponder, to meditate, to offer thanks.

#4--SCRIPTURE APPLICATION
So, in Gospel Doctrine on Sunday, we were discussing and reading some passages of scripture. We then went into Sacrament Meeting and the speaker was reading one of the stories of Jesus. As I was pondering on what he was saying, he read a scripture about someone being "a lunatick (this is the spelling) and being sorely vexed." Immediately, my irreverent mind, went to my cat. Who I KNOW is sorely vexed and when he races around here after using the litter box, like he's high on caffeine, then I KNOW he's a lunatick. This did not help me stifle the wave of giggles I felt in Sacrament Meeting. Darren hates going to church with me, I'm pretty sure.

#5--CLEANING THE TEMPLE
With our new Twin Falls temple up and running, our ward was given the assignment to clean the temple. Something I have wanted to do for awhile. Although I would be thrilled to help mop floors, as I was just so excited to be able to do this, I kept this little prayer in my heart that I would be on the crew to clean the celestial room. I was one of the last people of 22 to get my assignment, and guess where it was?!?!? The celestial room......and I was the only person assigned to dust and wipe things off in there. I felt a little foolish at first, just because it's not really a messy room. What, pray tell, would I clean?? I straightened, dusted, and wiped all I was asked to do. It was a powerful experience for me.....because for about 10 minutes, I had it completely to myself. No other cleaners were that far down there, the vaccuming was down the hall. For those 10 minutes, I relished in the energy, the beauty, the feeling, and the Presence I felt in that room.
What a gift!

The Oliver/Daddy Routine

This is the routine......everyday, during the week.
Darren comes home. Oliver jumps down to greet him. Darren loves on Oliver. Oliver loves on Darren. Darren heads to the bedroom to change his clothes. Oliver follows him. Darren gets dressed. Oliver waits. Darren takes his work shirt that he has been wearing. Before putting it in the laundary, he HAS to wrap Oliver in it like a baby. Oliver growls. Darren puts the shirt on him so he looks like a kitty missionary. Oliver has the look of "kill the human" in his eyes.....it's the routine......it's hilarious.........if you aren't the cat.

My Grateful Things......this week

* Good Listeners

In my world, I am usually the one who is listening and not the one who is talking. This I like, as I would rather hear what someone else's experience is than trying to think of an interesting one myself. But this week I have felt grateful for those few people who ask about my world and all it's components, and allow me to share.

*Examples Around Me

We all are dished out a healthy portion of gifts and struggles for our good. I am very grateful this week for those I see around me who have the courage to be themselves. Those who are making choices based on their own inner guidance system and not the pull of the crowd. For those who are struggling with finances, unemployment, health, etc, and doing it all with faith and grace.

*My brother Jake

The brother who is handsome (they all are however), the brother who is kind, the brother who is willing, the brother who is funny, the brother who is creative, the brother who is an amazing listener, the brother who is clever, the brother who is brilliant, the brother who has beautiful hair, the brother who is so dear to me.

*Inspired Leadership

I had the chance this week to feel discounted and hurt by a Priesthood leader in my ward. A feeling I have not had ever before. With that I also was able to feel the support of my sweet Stake President and my husband from humility and strength. I am very grateful to all those men who work, have families, and serve so diligently in the church, and still have time and energy to support and honor the feelings of the women in their lives. Amazing.

*Science & Technology

We are revisiting the fertility road again.....oh my. That was not the most pleasant experience the first time around. However, when I met with my Dr in Idaho Falls I felt at peace with her game plan and thankful for how well she supported and listened to my concerns and my feelings. The fact that we even have this option is amazing. To have the blessing of figuring out what isn't working so we can skip around it and help make it work, is a gift of this time and season we live in. As it can be very physically demanding, not mention the emotion involved, it is wonderful that I can take the time in caring for my body because of the marvelous way my sweet husband supports our family.

Favorite Foto......Sisters are born

Yes, me again with my brand new baby sister, Amber......my thoughts on this new little creature? "How can something so little make so much noise???"

My Favorite Oliver-isms....this week

Having a cat has made me think differently about a few things.....here are some things I have learned by watching the fuzzy, orange ball that lives with us

**Everything is a toy
The lesson:
Make everything fun. Play time is one of the most essential things to do with your time. And almost ANYTHING can be fun!

**Dinner is in the top 10 of important meals of the day
The lesson:
Enjoy your dinner. Make sure it is something that you like and when it's time to eat it....love it! However, always try something new.....even if you don't find out until later that broccoli sounds much better coming out of the package than it tastes.

**The importance of purring
The lesson:
Let those around you know when they do something you approve of. Look for chances to love on them and let them know they did a good job.

**Sunshine naps
The lesson:
Rest the body.......curl up somewhere warm, comfy, and peaceful and have a little nap. It's so important to love the little things.....like, sunshine on the rug.

**Use hissing sparingly
The lesson:
When someone knocks you off the bed, or steps on your tail, or doesn't give you enough treats.....try not to hiss too much. Just take it in stride and realize that most things, aren't meant to hurt you.

Favorite Foto

Yep......it's me.....in curlers......almost (ahem, cough) 30 years ago...... at my aunt's house......am I really that old?