Red or Blue, or Red & Blue

I must first explain what a sports fan I am. I love sports! I have watched sports at all levels for as long as I can remember. In this regard I am very much my dad's daughter, watching games with him when I was little is probably what started my love. He is a bit crazier than I am though, as he finds it necessary to have a TV everywhere possible on big game days not limiting himself to the usual one big screen. He's got the TV in the garage, the bathrooms, and for the sports fan that would like to watch the game from the hot tub, he has been known to pull out the projector for one's viewing pleasure (tub side cheese & crackers with frosty root beer optional). Anyway like my dad I take my sports watching very seriously when it comes to the teams I love.

For as long as I can remember I have been a die hard University Of Arizona basketball fan. I can't think of how many nights I have sat about 2 feet from the TV yelling at my boys to keep it together in the last few minutes of a game. If anyone knows Arizona basketball we tend to be a second half team, but lose control the last part of the 4th quarter. Sundays win against Gonzaga brought back fond memories of the NCAA tourni when UA won in double overtime in SLC. I had a really bad cold, with a fever to boot. I couldn't talk by the end of the game but it was worth every minute and every penny. I have also stuck with Wildcat football through a lot of hard years. That is as long as they are not playing BYU. When I went to school in Utah I came to love Brigham Young football. It helped getting to go to a lot of the games and having friends on the team.

So this brings me to my dilemma, BYU v UA in the Vegas Bowl. When I heard they would be playing each other again this year I immediately felt anxiety (seriously sports make me a little neurotic). After consulting with my best friend Matt, a fellow UA and BYU enthusiast, we have decided that we will probably go for BYU. I make no promises, but I think that is where I'm headed. Ben will be going for UA, so the game should be fun on Saturday. No matter how it turns out I just hope BSU gets destroyed by TSU. :)

On a more serious note, my cousin Curtis Klotthor passed away last week. He is a wonderful person with a wonderful spirit. He is loved and will be missed. My thoughts go out to the rest of my family. Wish Nebraska, in the middle of the winter, wasn't so far away.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving can extend into the weekend right? Things I'm grateful for this year:

1. Family; near or far, extended or immediate, adopted or blood. Family is wonderful and I can't imagine life with out any of mine.

2. Life; no matter the challenges, the beautiful highs and the not so fun lows. I'm so grateful for all my experiences and the places life takes me.

3. Beauty in the world. I have gotten to see some very beautiful places this past year and I am so grateful for that experience and for who I got to experience them with.

4. The little things in life. Whether it's my new tires that make me feel safe or all of Heavenly Father's tender mercies, I'm so thankful for all of them.

5. Lastly but most importantly my Heavenly Father and the gospel. For his unending patience, love and guidance. I think I am either incredibly dense or stubborn, or both so it takes me a while to get it, but he keeps with me until I do. I can't imagine my life with out the combination of the two. No thanks.

Just a Thought

My friend sent me the entry below in an email. Rather than forward it on to the few people I have addresses for I decided to post it here.

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession:

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees.. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a crïeche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'

In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they
don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Where I've Been

I've been here and there this past month I guess it's time to report my where abouts. My cousin Ryan got married last month, so my whole family went down to Utah to celebrate with him. I grew up with all my cousins on my mom's side. In many cases it was more like we were siblings than cousins. Ryan and his new bride, Sarah were married in the Manti temple, such a beautiful place. It was so fun seeing all my cousins and all the new little babies that have blessed our family in the past two years. The special treat was I got to spend some quality time with my cousin Amanda. Amanda and I were in the same grade and hung out a lot in high school. For the last few months of my senior year I actually lived with my aunt Carol (Amanda's mom) and fam. I had moved to Arizona but really wanted to go back to Montana to graduate with my cousin. Anyway, Amanda and I laughed and laughed for two and half hours reminiscing about all our crazy times together. It was exactly what I needed that weekend. Thanks Amanda, love you!



After Utah my travels took me to Florida. It was supposed to be all business, but for those of you who know my bosses, rarely is anything all business. So I did get to enjoy Universal Studios, Sea World and my second jump in an indoor skydiving facility all under sunny skys and warm weather. I'm almost ready for an airplane and parachute. I did manage to find some time to work and I think I have done enough shmoozing to last me a few years.




Last and possibly least (I really haven't decided yet) on our way back to Boise we took a detour to Las Vegas for the Madonna concert. My boss, John a couple months ago impulsively bought tickets for Madonna and when no one would buy them we made the sacrifice. I liked some of Madonna's music in the 80's but haven't paid much attention to her since then. But she is Madonna and has been doing this long enough I think she knows what she is doing. What amazed me the most was her energy, she was non stop for two hours and her voice sounded so young. Anyway, for better or worse I can now mark off Madonna on my things to do in my life list. Although I'm not really sure I ever had her on there.



So now I'm back in Boise, back to work and back from the nice little vacation from life that I have enjoyed.

My Big Brother

I have the best big brother in the whole world. We have been as close as you can imagine since day one. When my parents brought me home from the hospital he wanted "his baby" in his room so he could watch her. Sometimes we fight with as much energy as we love each other, but we always know that we are there for each other.

I am so grateful that Ben is a worthy priesthood holder and honors his calling. He has such a huge heart (good thing because he is a big boy) and is always willing to help anyone. The little old ladies always loved him growing up. I love to see how much he loves his wife and adorable little girls. But most of all I love how much he loves me. I love how protective he has always been of me, I love that he will drive 30 minutes away at 10 at night to give me a hug when I'm sad, that he will get a little choked up (he's a big teddy bear) trying to make me feel better.

Ben you're the best and I'm the luckiest sister in the whole world.

Ben made me wear this shirt to go to the BSU game with him, Yuck! :)

Bike'n it!

So I went mountain biking last weekend and am happy to report I walked away with out any broken bones, huge gashes in my arms and legs, or losing my lunch (nobody really needs to know more details on that). My mom is probably the happiest about this news. She does not appreciate my battle wounds like I do. As much as I like downhill biking you would think I could handle the Boise foothills, but we do not get along very well and I had yet to finish a ride with out incident. I did however, leave the keys to my car at the top of the foothills in Brandon's car, oops. After a few calls and some truck shuttling it all worked out.

My favorite time of year.

I love fall and am so happy it is here. If I could determine the seasons spring would last 2 months, long enough for tulips and daisies to bloom. Summer would be 3-4 months so I can enjoy camping, hiking, biking, boating, all the fun things that are better when it's a little warmer out. Winter would be 1-2 months from December 15th to January 30th, that way we could have a white Christmas and I could go sledding a few times and maybe even snowboarding (I'm still working on that one). That way I could enjoy fall for 4-5 full months, not 2-3 weeks.

Everything about fall makes me smile. I love watching college football preferably in the stadium but will settle for the TV. I remember the fun times going to the homecoming parades in Missoula, sitting on the tree lined streets amongst all the falling leaves, a little chill in the air. I love decorating for Halloween, my favorite holiday next to Christmas. I love carving pumpkins, going to corn mazes and haunted houses, I love candy corn, I love it all.

There is nothing better than walking down the street with you favorite sweater on feeling a little chilled, but not cold, in the shadows and then warmed again when you walk back into the sun.

Have I mentioned enough I LOVE FALL?!


This is one of the streets in Missoula, when I think it's at its prettiest.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

>You Are Snow White!

Pure and trusting. You are a gentle soul who can get along with just about anyone. Everyone you meet instantly falls in love with you. How can they resist? You have a pure, lovable nature that's irresistable. Just don't trust everyone who comes across your path.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

2 for 2

I have been to Utah twice in the last two weeks. As boring as the drive can be at times it was well worth it. The weekend before last I went down for one of my really good girlfriend's baby shower. It was so good to see so many girls that I have missed so much lately. Amy and I hit up the Women's Expo on Saturday afternoon and found lots of cute finds.



This weekend I went down to the BYU v UCLA game. I love college football and sitting in the stadium is so much better than watching it on tv or listening to the radio. I was hoping that BYU would win, but did not anticipate them winning by 59 points. The game, weather, company and my snacks were all great. All in all it was a good day.

4 wheel'n it!

Tuesday after hiking I went on a camping trip with my bosses and a few of their friends. We took the 4 wheelers and made a loop of 130 miles. It was so dusty and dirty, I think my entire face was exfoliated and I probably inhaled a pound of dirt. But is was very pretty and cold at times. The plan was to camp on Tuesday night, but my boss found a lodge in the middle of no where. The girls wanted to camp, but the boys wanted to stay in the lodge because they didn't want to get too cold. Isn't that a little backward. Anyway it was probably a good thing since our machines were covered in a thick frost when we got up in the morning.

The Sawtooths

I have lived in Idaho now for two years and to many peoples amazement have never seen the Sawtooths, some of the prettiest mountains in Idaho. The sad thing is I have driven past these very mountains on my way to Montana several times. For my part it is usually dark as we travel and I am either asleep or preoccupied with seeing my mom and other relatives.

So over the Labor Day weekend I finally made my first trip to the Sawtooth Mountains. They are absolutely beautiful, and I have no idea how I missed them before, they're huge! Brandon thought it would be funny to point out three little mountains and say, "There they are.." I was obviously not impressed and didn't know what all the hype was. Just as I was getting done saying I had pictured higher more jagged peaks we turned the bend and there they were.

The hike was fun, beautiful, steep and rocky. We ate lunch up at Sawtooth Lake, our destination for the hike. I sat and enjoyed the views and may have fallen asleep for a minute. Food coma, what can I saw. Brandon continued on to hike to the top of the peak, I was not brave enough for that one which was probably a good thing.

The whole day made me very grateful for all the beautiful places I have been blessed enough to see or live. I also couldn't help but be grateful for my body and that I had the ability to make the hike. Some things just can't be admired from the side of a road or in a car.

The Fair & More

The last few weeks have flown by with the usual summer activities. Last week I went up to Lake Cascade with Brandon and all his family for their summer trip. It was an activity packed few days and so much fun. Unfortunately I forgot my camera at home, so don't have any pictures to document the fun we had. Wednesday was a marathon of events with boating first thing in the morning, followed by biking in the afternoon and rafting that evening. I don't know about everyone else but I enjoyed the next few days of relaxing to recover. The Kellers are all wonderful and I had so much fun getting to know them.

Last night was Ben, Becky, and my annual trip to the fair. Maybe it was just a part of living in Montana, but the fair was always the main summer event and what we all waited for as kids. It meant the end of summer, time for school to start again and a last chance for the yummy summer food, and I ate plenty last night . This year we brought along Brandon, his brother and sister in-law and their two adorable kids. It was really hot out but we managed to have a lot of fun hanging out with everyone watching Lindsey and Gavin pet and feed all the animals and play around. Even Quincy had a few brave moments and stuck her little hand out to the animals. Thanks everyone for the good time!

The Library?!

Yesterday I had to go to the library to find some books for research I am doing for work. As I was approaching the doors I tried to think back to the last time I entered a public library. I am a little embarrassed to admit it's been almost a decade. Don't get me wrong I read plenty of books, but since high school I have opted to buy books rather then check them out. Prior to entering the building I had assumed, for some stupid reason, that everyone else was also buying books these days and doing research on the Internet so I thought the library would be pretty dead.

As I went upstairs to the reference section (I had to ask where that was) I started getting nervous. Would I remember how to find a book? At the book store you just tell them what you want and they get it. The library is a whole other beast, you have to do this yourself. Luckily I discovered that the library is much like riding a bike, at least for me it was. I found my books with out a glitch and gave myself a pat on the back. (Wahoo Sarah!)

I am happy to report that I am the proud owner of a shiny new library card and that the library is anything but dead. There were people of all ages and sizes scurrying around trying to get their hands on a good book. Now that I remember the joys that are the public library I plan on making good use of my new card.

Owyhee Reservoir

A bunch of us went to check out the Owyhee Reservoir in Oregon last weekend. None of us had been there before and weren't really sure what to expect, but I think we were all pleasantly surprised. The scenery was pretty and the water was great. When we got there we loaded up the boat and went searching for a perfect camp spot, it took a little while but finally all the chiefs in our village agreed on a spot and we dropped anchor.

Friday night a few people skied or wake boarded to the backdrop of a beautiful sunset and glassy water. By the time Saturday afternoon rolled around I couldn't help myself, I had to get in. Don't tell the doc. but I only gripped with my fingers on my right hand, that's safe right? :) I was sore Sunday and my cast was wet for a few hours afterward, but it was worth it. Hopefully I didn't do too much damage. I didn't take a lot of pictures so hopefully the shots below do the trip justice.


The Owyhee Reservoir

A little dance break in between skiing

Brandon driving, he's pretty cute if I do say so myself :)

Brandon impressing us with his sweet skills

Ouch!

I went mountain biking two weeks ago and as usual, took a couple spills. This is normally nothing to report. But after my fall Saturday my wrist was hurting and I kept telling myself that I had just jammed it. Well, last weekend I helped my mom clear out our storage unit down in Provo and bring the remnants back to Boise. After a weekend of sorting, packing, and unpacking my wrist was really hurting and throbbing. To make a long story short I broke a bone in my wrist. Yippee! I go to the doctor today to find out if I have to have a hard cast or not.

My dreams of biking, tennis and wake boarding this summer have now all been dashed. I might as well go get my nails done or something. And my handwriting at this point is nothing to be desired. Oh well, anyone got any one handed activities I can take up for the next 4 to 6 weeks.

Tagged! Thanks Becky!

One Word Tag...

1. Where is your cell phone? desk
2. Your significant other? :)
3. Your hair? brown
4. Your mother? loving
5. Your father? great
6. Your favorite thing? family
7. Your dream last night? sweet
8. Your favorite drink? milk
9. Your dream/goal? mom
10. The room you’re in? office
11. Your children? zero
12. Your fear? oceans
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? a mom
14. Where were you last night? home
15. What you’re not? patient
16. Muffins? blueberry
17. One of your wish list items? kitchen aid
18. Where you grew up? Missoula
20. What are you wearing? heels
21. Your TV? old
22. Your pets? zero
23. Your computer? mac (love it!)
24. Your life? awesome
25. Your mood? content
26. Missing someone? girlfriends
27. Your car? dirty
28. Something you’re not wearing? contacts
29. Favorite Store? Target
30. Your summer? beginning!
31. Like someone? yup
32. Your favorite color? red
33. Last time you laughed? yesterday
34. Last time you cried? May

I tag Michelle, Rachael and anyone who cares to join in the fun!

Thanks for the help!

Thanks for all the help ladies! It seams no one knows what I should do with my hair. There were a few of you that were a little more vocal than others and like it short. Well, I still don't know what to do so I guess I'll figure it out when the time comes to cut it. Vamos a ver!

The Long & Short of it.

I am trying to decide if I should grow my hair out again. The short hair has been a lot of fun, easy and cute. But sometimes I miss the pretty long hair. So, I need opinions, go long or stay short?

Memorial Weekend

This years memorial day weekend was looking to be a bust since rain clouds were projected for the entire western United States, that's one big rain cloud. Saturday some friends and I decided to go hiking. Don't worry we didn't really know where we were going so even though our hike was a short 1.5 miles the drive took almost 3 hours. Even with a GPS we struggled. The hike ended up being a lot of fun and really pretty, even if a did get stinging nettle all over may legs.

Seriously?!

My little brother graduated from college this weekend, so we had to make the journey to Montana. Usually we don't go to Montana until July when it's warm and sunny and you can hang out all day in the yard. Becky and I were being optimistic and wore T-shirts and flip flops on the drive up there. Well as you can see from the picture it was not very warm or sunny, perfect weather for Montana in early May, YUCK!!!!!

Anyway I'm very proud of my little brother for majoring in Civil Engineering. Now if only we can find a job for him in Boise that would be even better.

El Granjero

This past year I have been teaching little kindergartners Spanish. There were days when it was really cold and snowy, or I had gotten to bed way to late, and I had to drag myself out of bed to be at school by 7:45. But as soon as my little kiddos came walking through the door it made it all worth it. I have really enjoyed getting to share this experience with such sweet kids.

Last night was our end of the year performance. My kids sang "Old Mac Donald" or "El Granjero" They all dressed up like farms and had little animal puppets to add to the song. They did a great job and I think the performance was a success. I'm going to miss my little guys.