I Hate Spiders!

I hate spiders. Growing up in Upstate NY, the only spider I saw was a daddy long leg. In school, we learned about all the spiders in the southwest US andI thought, I am so glad I live so far away from there. Little did I know that one day I would live among these furry legged animals.


One summer we were camping in Deleware and everyone wanted to watch the thriller, "Arachnaphobia". My friend, Lissa, and I did not. We went and hid in the campground so we couldn't go. We were successful that night. But we went the next day. There are two scenes that stood out in my mind. One was a shower scene where the spider shows up in her shower and another when someone was using the restroom, the spider comes out. Last spring I had the horrible shower incident when a large spider was crawling up my leg. This morning I had the second experience. I screamed so loud when I saw it...and then promptly killed it. Time to spray!


I HATE SPIDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's what I get for Cheating

Today I went to register Natalie at our school, Corte Sierra, for 1st grade in the fall. She attends Heritage Elementary Charter School because her birthday is 15 days after the cut off. Then she could transfer over to first grade after Kindergarten at the Charter school. Well, today they informed me that if she doesn't turn 6 before August 31st she can't start 1st grade. So, poor Natalie will get to do Kindergarten again. Bummer for her, but one of her church friends will be there with her. The agonizing part is all the driving we've done. Ugh. At least she will be more than ready for Kindergarten.

Elena wins again!

Last Saturday Elena and the girls from her Strikers soccer team played in another 3v3 tournament. Yes in 80 degree weather! They played 3 games and won the tournament! She scored a goal as well! It was a lot of fun. Thanks to the Greaves who were our surogate parents for Elena because we had the busiest Saturday. When I went to get Elena she had her sleeves pulled up to her shoulders because she was hot...she looked just like a soccer player. It made me so proud, and I wanted to go play too!

10 Ani Fa!!!

My mini missionary companion, Slla. Rossini a Milano.

La Mostra with Slla. Costa e Anz. Guastella!

Today 10 years ago I got home from my mission to Italy, Milano. It is so crazy to think it has already been ten years...but when I stop and think about what I have done these past years it has been a while.
I am just so grateful that I got to spend 16 months in Italy meeting amazing people and things. Learning a beautiful language, learning the truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and then sharing them with those wonderful people.
They say that you can't truly put into words those feelings about a mission and it is so true. It was wonderful and unbelievable.
Everyday something reminds me of my time spent as a missionary for the LDS church in Italy... either saying some Italian word (they just sounds so much better than the english word), wishing I could cook like those amazing women there, reading my scriptures and remembering what I learned then and continue to learn. It was awesome. I am glad for what I learned and hope to be able to share with my children the truths of the gospel in everyday life. That is what we are here to learn on this earth. How to live our lives the fullest while following the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I love Italy... don't know when I will return, hopefully sooner than later. When I stop and think about that place it always makes me smile, probably because I had the most amazing blessing to serve there as a missionary for the LDS church e il cibo e fabuloso! CIAO!

A Challenge for Vern

Last night at dinner Elena said she needed a box to make her valentines from school. We pondered her different options. Well Vern said, "I will make you a box." In which Elena responded, "But I need it by Thursday." Knowing that dad takes his time with wood projects. Well that was enough for Vern. After dinner he headed out to the garage and during our beloved show, Biggest Loser, he spent the time in the garage. Elena went to bed not knowing what her dad was doing.

This morning, Elena woke up in amazement at her Valentine box made so quickly by her father.

All she has to do is paint it today. So if it is not ready I quess it is her problem.

Props to Vern for making a fabulous Valentine Box like none other in such a short time.

First Friday Nights

Friday night Vern and I had a fabulous date, and it was free! In Phoenix, on the first Friday night, many of the museums and other places are open to the public for free. We chose to go to the Phoenix Art Museum. It was great! Definately, a different crowd than what I see around my house, but very fun. We saw great artwork and some interesting modern art. One of our favorites was a room that was all dark, with mirrored walls...it had hanging lights all around the room. IT was awesome. You get all turned around in there. Very cool. There was also a hanging display of charred firewood in the shape of a box. Amazing. I can't very well describe it. So if you have a first friday free, go on a free date to the Art Museum. I think we are headed to the Science Center next month!

A Pull Up!

I did a pull up today! Okay it was an assisted one at a machine at the gym, but it sure felt great pulling myself higher than thebar. I have always cursed my arm strength because I never got the Presidential Fitness Award in school because of the stinking arm hang/pull up(starting inJr.High). It was embarrassing to 100% in the other areas and -% in the arm strength area. Now I feel good about myself. I do one day want to be able to do a real pull up, but I have a lot to lose before I can do that.