The Garrett Family

Isabella Grace Thompson

2008-07-09T10:05:00.006-05:00

My brother Nick and sister-in-law Tristan just had a new baby girl a couple weeks ago. They now have 2 girls under the age of two! Lucky parents! I can't wait until I get to see them, hopefully Christmas

Isabella

Isabella and Trinity

Do you like Oreos?

2008-07-02T10:01:00.003-05:00

I can't wait to make these cookies from PickyPalate. We are going to Dallas this weekend for the 4th with Cassie to go visit Nick! I might just have to bring some of these with us!! They look dang good, I can't wait!

Chocolate Chip Oreo Cookies

2 sticks softened butter

¾ Cup sugar

¾ Cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 ½ Cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

16 broken pieces Oreo Cookies

2 Cup chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cream butter, and sugars until well combined. Add eggs and vanilla until mixed well.
2. Place flour, baking soda and salt into a large bowl, stir to combine. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients then stir in oreos and chocolate chips until just combined.
3. With a medium cookie scoop, scoop onto a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet. Bake for 7-9 minutes or until cooked, but still soft. Let cool on baking sheet for 3 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.

Great Dinner

2008-06-27T09:50:00.004-05:00

The past couple of nights I have not been in the mood to cook and my food showed. Brad was complaining up a storm so I had to redeem myself. I found this recipe on foodnetwork.com by Rachael Ray and it is now one of my favorite meals and it will be a regular at the Garretts!

Honey Teriyaki Chicken with Ripe Pineapple Spears and Black and White Rice Balls

I left out a couple of things:

Sesame Seeds

Sesame Oil

Scallions

Chicken Thighs

I just used two chicken breasts cut them in big chunks. It worked great. I also didn't buy sesame seeds or sesame oil because this would be the only meal I would use them in. We are not big fans of onions or scallion so I left those out as well. The teriyaki sauce was MY FAVORITE! I love Teriyaki Stix and have been trying to find a recipe to mimic it and this wins! It doesn't taste the exact same but it is dang good and passes on my palate. Oh yeah... instead of buying fresh ginger I substituted it for 1 tsp of ground ginger. We love getting fresh pineapple as well. I put my slices on a frying pan and sizzled them for a bit and they were delicious!

Try it!

the trailer... yipee!

2008-06-23T10:32:00.001-05:00

is it August 2nd yet?

2008-06-23T08:53:00.004-05:00

I know it's pathetic... I finished New Moon last Friday and I went and bought Eclipse the same day. Brad was gone most of the weekend with Bball camps so I had time on my hands! I finished Eclipse Sunday night. They are all really really good but the suspense is killing me for Breaking Dawn. I'm used to being able to pick up the next book and start reading. I should have stretched them out until August 2nd I guess :). I'm excited for the movie. I didn't read Harry Potter before the movie came out and I liked the movie better. I'm interested to see if I will like twilight the book better. I have gone to the twilight websites and seen the characters so I already imagine the characters the way they will be but I will still be different! Melissa-- Brad got a kick out of your comment to him at chuch about how the books break up families! He said its a good thing I'm done until August 2nd or else we probably wouldn't have made it to our 1 year on August 10th! I was dying laughing! Good thing I don't have kids... I would have been a horrible mother the past week.

HOW BOUT THOSE…

2008-06-18T11:24:00.005-05:00

BOSTON CELTICS!!!

Sorry to those of you who are Laker fans... but here are the reasons why I can't stand the Lakers:

Sasha is a girl and should be voted the number one flopper player
Pau Gasol reminds me of the lama on Emperor’s New Groove – Kuzco (Brad's words - "Fags shouldn't be allowed to play ball")
Odom should be on the Celtics! –I like him too much, he doesn’t fit on the Lakers!
There are so many stars at the game you don’t know if it’s a basketball game or a movie premiere – and what is UP with all of those dark sunglasses? Has anyone explained to them those are supposed to be used OUTSIDE?
Kobe – enough said; I give him credit, he can play, but he is COCKY
Derek Fisher- Trader! Should have been on the Jazz to help them beat out the Lakers! (no offense to his son - I totally understand the move)

TWILIGHT down... NEW MOON to come

2008-06-18T11:10:00.004-05:00

I can't believe I finished Twilight this morning. Man I am really glad my sister got the the next book in line because I am not ready for the story to end. :)

Mellissa and Danna-- I'm glad my sister and I aren't the only freaks out there who have their lives taken over by the book! It seriously grasps you and you can't stop. I love how the story twists so fast and there is NEVER a dull moment! (Mellissa, if I don't just end up buying Eclipse I might have to take you up on your offer to borrow it!)

By the way... It's pretty sad when I couldn't put the book down during the Celtics game last night! I'm kind of in regret because I missed 90% the game!!! I missed Tony Allen's DUNK!!! I looked up right after, I couldn't believe it! Especially when KG is so fun for me to watch because he is so crazy in the head. (somehow I was on the couch zoned out into the book... brad was in shock with how I was warped into the book, he thought I was a lunatic)

Now on to...

2008-06-16T07:57:00.002-05:00

Last friday I recieved a package from my sister April. She sent me an early birthday present... books by Stephenie Meyer, Twilight and New Moon. She figured I would have a chance to read them in the summer before I start up school again in the Fall. Not having read a book since who knows when... I was suprised how excited I was to get started with Twilight. I couldn't put the book down and I'm a little more than 1/4 of the way through the 500 pager. I haven't really enjoyed reading becuase it would always knock me out so I never ended up finishing a book becuase I couldn't ever get "hooked" before I fell asleep. Saturday Brad had the day off so we went on Squires lake and pattled in their little boat and I sat there reading while brad was trying to figure out how he cana make himself a fishing pole. My back got huge tan lines while the front of me got nothing becuase I was looking down reading the whole time! So if you are looking for a great book to read outside on these summer days... I reccomend Twilight, which is coming to theater December 12th.

UTAH!!! is over... :(

2008-06-02T11:04:00.002-05:00

We had so much fun in Utah. We got there the day before Brad's brother (Louis) high school graduation. Loius is now moved out and is going to follow Brad's footsteps and play ball at the College of Southern Idaho before he leaves on a mission. That memorial weekend my parents drove down and we went on a beautiful hike to Zions National Park right outside of Saint George. It was awesome to see my family. During the week we had some mad games of volleyball (which I forgot to take pictures!). We played sand vball and pool vball. Brad and I went boating with his buddies from high school. Brad didn't dare do anything for fear of injuring himself. I wakeborded... tried to at least. Brad's niece and nephews are growing up! Kody and Lucas are a crack up. We had so much fun and can't wait to move back out by family one our Oklahoma adventures are finished! (We do love OK though...)!

All moved... now we're going to St. George!

2008-05-22T08:28:00.003-05:00

We are all moved into our new apartment and now we are heading out for Utah to visit brad's family until the end of May. My family will be there this weekend so it will be an awesome trip that is much needed!!!

The new and improved dressers!

2008-05-10T15:22:00.002-05:00

I totally spaced taking an original of the dressers but oh well. They were really torn up on the tops. We kept the original handles and I actually like them now with their new dark stain. The big chest of drawers has a different drawer in it!! That's why the handles are different on one of the drawers, hey I'm not complaining! All we had to do was buy the refinishing stuff!

THE EYE

2008-05-09T11:48:00.003-05:00

This was a forward I recieved in an email and I thought the picture was pretty sweet. The longer you look at it the cooler it is.

"Dear All: This photo is a very rare one, taken by NASA. This kind of event occurs once in 3000 years. This photo has done miracles in many lives. Make a wish .. you have looked at the eye of God. Surely you will see the changes in your life within a day. ! Whether you believe it or not, don't keep this mail with you. Pass this at least to 7 persons. This is a picture NASA took with the Hubble telescope. Called 'The Eye of God.' Too awesome to delete. It is worth sharing."

All Sanded Up!!!

2008-05-05T11:46:00.002-05:00

Our awesome friend, Nick, hooked us up with an old dresser and a bed side table. This weekend I have been sanding away and I think I sanded more of my thumb than anything. We should have just busted out the wallet and got us an electric one but hey, we're old school and wanted a work out. After doing all I could I had to eat some humble pie and let Brad finish it off for me. It's amazing what some muscle can do!!! haha... he finished them up in a flash! Today it's off to Lowes to get us some wood filler to fix some places and I haven't decided yet if I want to paint them black or just stain them... The final results are soon to come and hopefully all goes well! Wish me luck!

Got MUD?

2008-05-01T11:45:00.003-05:00

I was looking at some old pictures I store on Photobucket.com and I busted up laughing when I saw this one. Here's the story:

I think it was my sophomore year in high school and Alexis (my little sis, the blonde one) would always have her twin friends over, Brooke and Shea, next door neighbor. Well this particular day we were working on putting in the yard so my dad had the sprinkler system going to wet down the dirt to pull all the dang weeds. Let's just say he didn't just wet it down... he flooded the place!!! haha. It was mud heaven but the weeds came out super easy. Brooke across the steet wanted to join in this mud heaven so she did just that. We were slippin all over the palce, hence the mud maddness. What do you know... Alexis and Brook had to go to the bathroom but my mom wouldn't let them in cause they were so muddy. These girls have no shy bone in their body and being as wild as they are the dared eachother to just go stading up. So here are two muddy girls laughing the heads off while they are doing the unthinkable right out in the open. Sorry that probably wasn't called for...

Never knew playing in the mud could be so fun huh!

little tikes

2008-04-21T22:52:00.011-05:00

I haven't ever posted anything on my nieces and nephew and I was missing them so I was checking out some pictures.

The newest addition: Trinity Grace Thompson (Brother's baby)

Tristan (sister-in-law) sent me these pics from her 1yr old birthday party! My brother said she found their money stack and he had to basically tackle her and rip the money out of her hands because she wouldn't let go! That a girl- starting early taking your daddy's money! Tristan is pregnant with another girl and is due here in a couple months!

The Middle one: Maverik Bradley Thompson (My Brother Shane's kid)

These pictures are from last year when My brother and sister-in law were sealed in the LA temple. Maverik's hair was so long! (like father like son) They have cut it now to his ears and he looks really cute. He watches Thomas the Train and has picked up an English accent so it is hillarious listening to him!

The oldest and Boldest!: Jaclyn Jennifer McClean (My sister Joy's kid)

Jaclyn is 4 years old and is a smart little girl. She is an extreme perfectionist and she will tell you how it is! Love the girl. They live in New York and she has sure picked up the New Yorker slang like none other! These pics are from last summer back home the week of our wedding. August 9th was her birthday, the day I took out my endowments and the day before the wedding. It was a fun week! I love talking to her on the phone but she gets so excited and talks too fast and "New Yorker" that it is hard to understand that girl!

(Jaclyn and my sister, Alexis)

the new me!

2008-04-16T14:08:00.008-05:00

Check out these awesome makeovers!! (Click on the picture to make bigger) I had a boring day at work so I had fun doing this on iVillage.com The before and after pic was my favorite style...

go to the website and check it out!

The Funky Name Tag

2008-04-07T09:30:00.006-05:00

My rock star name (first pet and current car):

Jordan Diamonte
My gangsta name (favorite candy bar and favorite cookie):

Symphony White Chip Macadamia
My detective name (favorite color and favorite animal):

Blue White Tiger
My Star Wars name (first three letters of last name and first two letters of first name then the word "of" then a medication you are on):

Garwh of Tri-Sprintec
My superhero name (2nd favorite color and favorite drink with "The" in front):

The Green Zuka

My Nascar name (first names of your grandfathers):

Burt Eldon
My "lover" name (name of your favorite perfume/cologne and your favorite candy):

Forever Romance Starbursts
Witness-protection name (mother's and father's middle names):

Kay Shane

Thanks for the Tag Natalie! I tag anyone who reads this!! :)

Camping and Conference! Doesn't get much better than that!

2008-04-06T13:05:00.012-05:00

We had so much fun camping! Lots of funny stories, smoke, Starbursts, potatoes, and food! We went to Pier 51 on Keystone Lake. Oh man was is different from camping back home but it was still beautiful with the lake there and... that's about it :)! Compare last summer white water rafting in Alpine, WY!!! But that is just pure beauty. When the trees start getting full it will be pretty here for sure! I did learn something new and won the best comment of the night...

Whit: "So we have the big dipper back home, what's in the stars here?"
The rest of the bunch: "hahahahahahhahahahah! It's the same sky dork!!"
I learned that my blonde comments are still it me! Man, I should think before I speak!

We went friday afternoon and came home Saturday morning so we wouldn's miss the sustaining of the presidency(man was that cool!). These four sessions of conference were awesome. I don't remember a conference filled with sooooo many unbelievibly awesome messages. Every talk hit Brad and I in some way or another. President Monson is going to be an awesome Prophet. I could feel his love and strong spirit through every word he spoke.

Our HARLEYS... the RED ROSTERS!

2008-03-18T08:45:00.009-05:00

Happy St. Patricks Day!!!! COOL CHICKS WEAR GREEN DAY!!!

(Thanks to Natalie's Cool Chicks Wear)

Last Saturday night we went with our friends to Wal Mart to check out some bikes. Brad and I have been dying to get bikes cause we love to ride. I picked out a nice mountain bike that I thought was great and Brad picked out his that you see in the pictures. When we got home (which was about 12:30 a.m.) we took them for a test run around the parking lot and I hated mine!!! I felt like I was on a little kids bike cause I am a tall chicka. I was having to bend over so far because I had to have my seat so high. Also, I felt like the handle bars were going to hit my knees everytime I petaled... I wasn't too happy with my purchasae! I was so mad at myself. So about 1:30 a.m. Brad said well lets go take it back... I want you to be happy with your bike and we aren't going to bed till you are happy. We drove back to Wal Mart about 2:00 and return the bike we just bought an hour ago! lol They thought we were crazy. I never thought I wouuld have gotten "the cruiser harley" type bike cause I always thought they were ugly but Brad talked me into it :) Here are the main reasons:

I am too fetching tall for Wal Mart bikes

I am used to my parent's really nice bikes that are fit for tall people

$$BUDGET$$

This "cruiser" bike is long and the handle bars are high so I can have my seat high

We got home at about 3:00 in the morning and I was finally satisfied with my new bike... what an adventure! We were going to wait till my birthday but with the way gas prices are we will pay off those bikes in gas money before then anyways! I forgot to mention the funniest part of all... Brad was dying to get a horn so last night we went back to Wal Mart with our friends and they bought bikes so Brad just had to get his silly horn... what am I going to do with that kid! Well, no more driving to work for me... I get to take the "red roster"!

4 Things!

2008-03-10T10:26:00.012-05:00

Four things about me you may or may not know. Please read the directions at the end. This is kind of fun. I ALWAYS learn something from these.

Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Johnstone Supply Warehouse pup
2. Assistant to Dr. Gentry (Employee Assistant Program)
3. … to be continued!
4. … to be continued!

Four movies I would watch over and over:
1. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
2. Remember the Titans
3. The “Snowy River” collection!! Classic
4. Disney Classics

Four Places I lived:
1. Idaho Falls, ID
2. Shelley, ID
3. Twin Falls, ID
4. Stillwater, OK
Four TV Shows I watch
1. College Basketball
2. Project Runway
3. Ace of Cakes

4. John and Kate plus Eight

Four Places I have been:
1. Hawaii
2. Oklahoma!
3. Cabo San Lucas
4. Ensenada

People who email me regularly:
1. Pops
2. Rhoda
3 Kendria
4. Mom

Four of my Favorite Foods:
1. Parmesan Chicken
2. ice cream :) oreo shake or ice cream with brownies!
3. Mexican Nachos
4. Soup and Salad from Olive Garden

Four Places I rather be right now:
1. Tropical Island where it is warm
2. Anywhere with the fam
3. Paris
4. The Final Four with OK State there!

Things I look forward to this year:
1. Going to Utah for 8 days in May!
2. OSU Basketball, with Brad playing!!! (if he will quit hurting himself!!)
3. Fall weather
4. Getting a tan, WATER

Directions: Now, Copy and paste this into a new post for you and change up the answers!

WHIT'S WEDDING!

2008-03-04T09:28:00.007-06:00

I went to Idaho for a quick trip for my best friend Whitney's wedding. It was awesome! When I flew into SLC my other best friend, Camille, picked me up and then we went to the Gateway to pick out something to wear for the reception! Fun Fun. Saturday morning, March 1st, was the sealing. It was the first sealing I have attended so it was a really cool experience. The had the same sealer as Brad and I so it was neat. We then went to the luncheon and then the reception! We had tons of fun and I am sooo glad I was able to go!

Listen to this craziness....

Reasons why I think Whit and I really are twins:

We share the name Whitney.
In grade school we were called the "Twin Towers" and "Salt and Pepper" (hair colors).
We call each other "Twin".
We both attended the College of Southern Idaho in "Twin Falls"... weird stories how we both ended up there.
We found our eternal companions in "Twin Falls".
Our husbands names are "Brad" and "Brandon".

(Those are the main crazy ones!) Crazy Cool!

WEIRD

2008-02-28T10:37:00.004-06:00

THE Right Brain vs Left Brain test ... do you see the dancer turning clockwise or anti-clockwise?
If clockwise, then you use more of the right side of the brain and vice versa. Most of us would see the dancer turning anti-clockwise though you can try to focus and change the direction; see if you can do it.

LEFT BRAIN FUNCTIONS uses logic. detail oriented, facts rule, words and language, present and past, math and science, can comprehend, knowing, acknowledges, order/pattern perception, knows object name, reality based, forms strategies, practical safe

RIGHT BRAIN FUNCTIONS uses feeling, "big picture" oriented, imagination rules, symbols and images, present and future, philosophy & religion, can "get it" (i.e. meaning), believes, appreciates, spatial perception, knows object function, fantasy based, presents possibilities, impetuous, risk taking

I was right sided... I can't get it to go the other way either!

YAY! I finally got it to go the other way!

Are you craving OREOS???!!!

2008-02-26T13:43:00.009-06:00

I found this recipe on Bakerella and I fell in love with them. She did a lot of cuter ones like a "HersheyKisses" and footballs. I thought I would just stick with the simplest one. Dipping them in chocolate was the hardest part for me. I am not experienced at that part but maybe one day!

Here are the steps...

You will need:
1 package of Oreo's
1 8 oz package of cream cheese
Chocolate (white, milk, or dark)

1. Crush up a package of Oreo's. (I used my food processor... much faster)
2. Add cream cheese.
3. Shape mixture into balls and put in freezer for a couple of minutes until they harden up just a little bit so they don't crumble when dipping in chocolate.
4. Dip in Chocolate. (I didn't dip all of them just for fun)

I keep mine in the fridge because of the cream cheese. ENJOY!

Greatest Love Story!

2008-02-22T08:58:00.003-06:00

If you have time watch this Video or read the story!!! It is an awesome story... To get an awesome veiw point of their story I personally liked the story form better than the video but that's just me! The Video shows some awesome things as well. It's Oprah... how could I not post that!

Herman and Roma on Oprah 14th Nov 2007

The Fence

The sky was gloomy that morning as we waited anxiously. All the men, women and children of Piotrkow's Jewish ghetto had been herded into a square.Word had gotten around that we were being moved. My father had only recently died from typhus, which had run rampant through the crowded ghetto.My greatest fear was that our family would be separated."Whatever you do," Isidore, my eldest brother, whispered to me, "don't tell them your age. Say you're sixteen".I was tall for a boy of 11, so I could pull it off. That way I might be deemed valuable as a worker. An SS man approached me, boots clicking against the cobblestones. He looked me up and down, then asked my age."Sixteen," I said. He directed me to the left, where my three brothers and other healthy young men already stood.My mother was motioned to the right with the other women, children, sick and elderly people. I whispered to Isidore, "Why?" He didn't answer. I ran to Mama's side and said I wanted to stay with her."No," she said sternly. "Get away. Don't be a nuisance. Go with your brothers." She had never spoken so harshly before. But I understood. She was protecting me. She loved me so much that, just this once, she pretended not to. It was the last I ever saw of her.My brothers and I were transported in a cattle car to Germany. We arrived at the Buchenwald concentration camp one night weeks later and were led into a crowded barrack. The next day, we were issued uniforms and identification numbers."Don't call me Herman anymore." I said to my brothers. "Call me 94983."I was put to work in the camp's crematorium, loading the dead into a hand-cranked elevator. I, too, felt dead. Hardened, I had become a number.Soon, my brothers and I were sent to Schlieben, one of Buchenwald's sub-camps near Berlin. One morning I thought I heard my mother's voice."Son, she said softly but clearly, "I am sending you an angel." Then I woke up. Just a dream. A beautiful dream. But in this place there could be no angels. There was only work, hunger and fear.A couple of days later, I was walking around the camp, around the barracks, near the barbed-wire fence where the guards could not easily see. I was alone. On the other side of the fence, I spotted someone; a young girl with light, almost luminous curls. She was half-hidden behind a birch tree. I glanced around to make sure no one saw me. I called to her softly in German.
"Do you have something eat?" She didn't understand. I inched closer to the fence and repeated my question in Polish. She stepped forward. I was thin and gaunt, with rags wrapped around my feet, but the girl looked unafraid.In her eyes, I saw life. She pulled an apple from her woolen jacket and threw it over the fence. I grabbed the fruit and, as I started to run away, I heard her say faintly, "I'll see you tomorrow."I returned to the same spot by the fence at the same time every day. She was always there with something for me to eat - a hunk of bread or, better yet, an apple. We didn't dare speak or linger. To be caught would mean death for us both. I didn't know any-thing about her except that she understood Polish and seemed to me to be just a kind farm girl. What was her name? Why was she risking her life for me? Hope was in such short supply, and this girl on the other side of the fence gave me some, as nourishing in its way as the bread and apples.Nearly seven months later, my brothers and I were crammed into a coal car and shipped to Theresienstadt camp inCzechoslovakia."Don't return," I told the girl that day. "We're leaving."I turned toward the barracks and didn't look back, didn't even say good-bye to the girl whose name I'd never learned ... the girl with the apples.We were in Theresienstadt for three months. The war was winding down and Allied forces were closing in, yet my fate seemed sealed. On May 10, 1945, I was scheduled to die in the gas chamber at 10:00 AM.In the quiet of dawn, I tried to prepare myself. So many times death seemed ready to claim me, but somehow I'd survived. Now, it was over. I thought of my parents. At least, I thought, we will be reunited.At 8 A.M. there was a commotion. I heard shouts, and saw people running every which way through camp. I caught up with my brothers.Russian troops had liberated the camp! The gates swung open. Everyone was running, so I did too.Amazingly, all of my brothers had survived; I'm not sure how. But I knew that the girl with the apples had been the key to my survival. In a place where evil seemed triumphant, one person's goodness had saved my life, had given me hope in a place where there was none. My mother had promised to send me an angel, and the angel had come.Eventually I made my way to England where I was sponsored by a Jewish charity, put up in a hostel with other boys who had survived the Holocaust and trained in electronics. Then I came to America, where my brother Sam had already moved.I served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War, and returned to New York City after two years. By August 1957 I'd opened my own electronics repair shop. I was starting to settle in.One day, my friend Sid who I knew from England called me. "I've got a date.She's got a Polish friend. Let's double date."A blind date? Nah, that wasn't for me. But Sid kept pestering me, and a few days later we headed up to the Bronx to pick up his date and her friend, Roma. I had to admit, for a blind date this wasn't so bad. Roma was a nurse at a Bronx hospital. She was kind and smart. Beautiful, too, with swirling brown curls and green, almond-shaped eyes that sparkled with life.The four of us drove out to Coney Island. Roma was easy to talk to, easy to be with. Turned out she was wary of blind dates too! We were both just doing our friends a favor. We took a stroll on the boardwalk, enjoying the salty Atlantic breeze, and then had dinner by the shore. I couldn't remember having a better time.We piled back into Sid's car, Roma and I sharing the backseat. As European Jews who had survived the war, we were aware that much had been left unsaid between us. She broached the subject, "Where were you, during the war?" she asked softly."The camps," I said, the terrible memories still vivid, the irreparable loss. I had tried to forget. But you can never forget.She nodded. "My family was hiding on a farm in Germany, not far from Berlin," she told me. "My father knew a priest, and he got us Aryan papers."I imagined how she must have suffered too, fear, a constant companion. And yet here we were, both survivors, in a new world."There was a camp next to the farm." Roma continued. "I saw a boy there and I would throw him apples every day."What an amazing coincidence that she had helped some other boy. "What did he look like? I asked.He was tall. Skinny. Hungry. I must have seen him every day for six months."My heart was racing. I couldn't believe it. This couldn't be."Did he tell you one day not to come back because he was leaving Schlieben?"Roma looked at me in amazement."Yes.""That was me!"I was ready to burst with joy and awe, flooded with emotions. I couldn't believe it. My angel."I'm not letting you go," I said to Roma. And in the back of the car on that blind date, I proposed to her. I didn't want to wait."You're crazy!" she said. But she invited me to meet her parents for Shabbat dinner the following week. There was so much I looked forward to learning about Roma, but the most important things I always knew: her steadfastness, her goodness. For many months, in the worst of circumstances, she had come to the fence and given me hope. Now that I'd found her again, I could never let her go. That day, she said yes.And I kept my word. After nearly 50 years of marriage, two children and three grandchildren, I have never let her go.Herman Rosenblat Miami Beach, Florida.This is a true story and you can find out more by googling Herman Rosenblat as he was bar mitzvahed at age 75. This story is being made into a movie called "The Fence" http://www.atlanticoverseaspictures.com/

Favorite Trip (only real trip so far!) a.k.a the Honeymoon

2008-02-20T09:47:00.007-06:00

Wondering what is so cool about the iguanas?! We paid $2 to take our pictures with them! Here’s the story… We had just arrived in port to Cabo and we were walking along... in Mexico people come up to you non stop… anyways, this lady came up and said “take picture with?” we were like “no thanks” we kept on walking and she kept on following! Anyways she basically threw this nasty creature into our hands so we went along with it and had fun… then as we were leaving she said $4! “WHAT!!” you crazy lady… So brad works his Spanish magic and talked her down to $2. Good thing we were on our honeymoon and carefree or else that lady would have heard from us! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Crazy lady! oh yeah.. do you like my sweet shades?!! I forgot to bring sunglasses on the trip so we bought some at a little booth... they were the best ones believe it or not! Check out Brad’s bicep!… not no more... his shoulder has really taken a toll on his body!

If you don't drink Wine don't go on a tour in Ensanda!!!! We were soo sooo sooo sooo bored. Because Ensanda didn't have much to do as far as water stuff we figured we would take a tour. Let me say the brochure talked it up quite a bit! We did end up leaving it early but dang we just blew $40! And then the worst part... as we passed this crazy mexican donkey we were going to Mcdonalds because we were starving and couldn't wait until we got back on the ship. We figured an American resturant would be safe... we order some food that came just over $10 or something... we gave her a $50 and she didn't have any change!!! All she had was quarters and pennies! Man we were bummed!

Love Day!

2008-02-14T10:09:00.001-06:00

Off the Court "Goodness"!

2008-02-14T10:08:00.005-06:00

Cowboy Fans –

Just wanted to let each of you know what happened after the Baylor game last night.

This past summer, the men’s basketball team visited the St. Francis Pediatric Oncology Unit. While visiting the clinic, the team met a young man by the name of Josh Honeycutt. Josh was courageously battling brain cancer at the young age of 14. The players gathered around Josh, spent some time with him, and took pictures with him (see attached). Coach Sean asked Josh who he wanted the team to beat this year. Josh’s response was “Baylor.” Terrell actually replied, “No problem we can do that for you.”

A few months later, Josh lost his battle and earned his angel wings.

At the Baylor game last night, Josh’s mother, grandmother, aunt, and cousin, were hosted by Bob Funk in the Express Personnel Services Suite. They wanted to attend the game in memory of Josh and cheer the Pokes on to victory just as Josh had requested. With about one minute left in the game, a basketball manager appeared in the suite and requested the family follow her. The family was taken down to the team locker room. Once the players were inside, Coach Sean handed the game ball to Brenda Honeycutt and told her that the team had not forgotten about Josh’s request. They wanted Brenda to have the game ball in Josh’s memory. Each member of the team stood up and introduced themselves. At the count of three, they chanted Josh’s name three times. Each player took turns signing the game ball and hugging members of Josh’s family. It was an amazing scene and one that the Josh’s family will never, ever forget.

Coach Sean, the players, and coaches are amazing individuals who represent OSU with class, character, and integrity. Too many times, the good things they do are overlooked by what the media determines is most newsworthy….These young men deserve the support of OSU fans because of who they are and how they represent OSU, not just for how many games they have won. Please pass this along to all the Cowboy Faithful – and let’s do our part for this team the rest of the season – show up to the games, wear orange, and be loud. They deserve our support. GO POKES!

(Kendria Cost)

Valentines Day Tag!

2008-02-11T21:17:00.000-06:00

(answer these for you and your spouse/significant other)

1. Your Song: “Lost in the Moment” Big and Rich

And... "Would You go with Me" Josh Turner

2. Your favorite feature of his: Eyes, Hair, legs, biceps

3. His favorite feature of yours: butt

4. What drives you crazy about him (not the good stuff): when he is annoying me he keeps eggin it on and gets me fired up. I get mad and loves it so he keeps doing it.

5. What drives him crazy about you: He says I am messy! haha

6. Favorite trip you've taken together: Honeymoon to Cabo and Ensanada!

7. How do you picture your lives in fifty years: Traveling all over the country watching grandkids sporting events!

8. What was your worst fight over: Here’s the story… I bought a jar of pickles because I love them and brad was shopping with me that day. Brad was getting on me at the grocery store saying that I shouldn’t buy those, we will never eat them! I said no way… I love them I am getting them. I won that battle and got my pickles. About a month later I pulled out the pickles from the back of the fridge (the jar hadn’t been opened!)…. They were fozen and all ruined! We found out our fridge gets freezing cold in the back. Anyways, Brad went off on how I had just mentioned that we should be more fruigle with little things we buy. For some reason that got me going and I was yelling at him and we were fighting over a $4 jar of pickels! Brad basically ended the conversation saying…. “we are never buying pickles again!”. I was most likely in tears (that is what happens when I get worked up) about that stupid jar of pickles! Needless to say, we haven’t bought another jar of pickles.

9. Most romantic thing he's ever said to or done for you: My engagement night can never be replaced!!! It was the best night of my life! Also... Just today I came home from work and he had cleaned the house and started the laundry!! I love the guy!

10. Favorite "down time" activity: Hanging out with friends playing games or watching tv or movies.
11. What celebrity most reminds you of him: Steve Howey (Van on Reba!)12. What celebrity do you most remind him of: I don’t remind him of a celebrity he says… lame.

**Bonus** post one of your favorite pictures together.... This was hard to choose, Brad saw this one and said put that one!

I tag all of my blogging buddies once again. This one's a fun one, come on girls!

Soon to be WED!

2008-02-11T20:04:00.000-06:00

On March 1st Whitney is getting married!! I am soo excited because I wasn't for sure if I could make it out there but her parents are paying for 1/2!!! Oh how I love them! Now Camille needs to tie the knot!

Visiting Teaching!

2008-02-06T10:23:00.001-06:00

We got new visiting teaching routes and it is totally new for me in this ward so I thought I would get creative and bring them a little something... I found this cute saying... "We're "soda-lighted" to get to know you better.... cheesy but fun! So here at work to kill time I created this cute little card to tie onto a soda bottle. Fun Fun Fun!

Fortune Cookies!

2008-02-05T12:00:00.000-06:00

I found this on Martha Stewart.com and I am so going to try it out!!! How fun!

Ingredients
Makes 50
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 large egg whites
1 cup superfine sugar
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons Dutch cocoa
Pinch salt
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
50 paper fortunes

Directions
Heat oven to 400 degrees. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter; set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the egg whites and sugar, and beat on medium speed until frothy, about 30 seconds. Add the flour, cocoa, and salt, and beat until combined. Add the melted butter, cream, almond extract, and vanilla extract, and beat until combined, about 30 seconds.
Drop a heaping teaspoon of batter onto a Silpat baking mat fitted in a baking pan, or use a nonstick baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining batter, spacing dollops at least 5 inches apart. Using the back of a tablespoon, spread each one into a 4-inch circle. Place baking pan in oven, and bake the favors until the edges darken slightly, about 5 minutes.
Transfer the baking pan to a heat-resistant surface. Working quickly, slide an offset spatula under a cookie, and flip it over. Roll the cookie into a loose tube, and insert a paper fortune into the middle so that both the edges extend from the cookie. Using your index finger, make an indentation in the center of the tube, then pinch each end together with your other hand. Repeat the rolling-and-folding process with remaining cookies. Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.

Thomas S. Monson named as new LDS Church president

2008-02-05T10:38:00.001-06:00

By Carrie A. MooreDeseret Morning News
Published: February 4, 2008

President Thomas S. Monson was named Monday morning as the 16th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
President Henry B. Eyring and Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf were named as first and second counselors, respectively, in the First Presidency.
The announcement was made at an 11 a.m. press conference at the Church Office Building.
After the death of President Gordon B. Hinckley on Jan. 27, the church's First Presidency was automatically dissolved, with President Monson and President Eyring, former counselors to President Hinckley, returning to their places in the faith's Quorum of the Twelve. Leadership of the church has rested with that body since President Hinckley's death.
President Monson spoke during the press conference of the "legacy of love" left by President Hinckley and said his thinking is similar to that of the church's 15th president.
"I testify that this work in which we're engaged is the Lord's work," President Monson said. "I've felt His sustaining influence."
In response to reporters' questions, President Monson said his health is good and that he intends to travel as church president.
"Traveling is difficult when you go for long stretches at a time, but you always come back refreshed, feeling that you've accomplished something," he said.
President Monson also indicated that the growth of temple-building seen during President Hinckley's time will continue, "because the church keeps growing."
President Uchtdorf, a native German, said he was "joyfully overwhelmed" by his new responsibilities.
"I learned quickly in the church that we're not representing a nation or country or ethnic group," President Uchtdorf said. "We are ... representing the Church of Jesus Christ. We are representatives of Him."
President Uchtdorf said his wife told him he does not have to worry about his accent, because more than half of the 13 million church members speak with something other than an English accent.
Members of the church had expected to see President Monson named as the next president, following a pattern of succession in the church that has been established and developed throughout its history and through doctrinal pronouncements in LDS scripture.
At age 80, President Monson is one of the youngest men to become church president in the past quarter century. President Hinckley was 84, and Presidents Howard W. Hunter and Ezra Taft Benson were 86. President Spencer W. Kimball became president Dec. 30, 1973, at the age of 78.

If I were a...

2008-02-05T09:06:00.000-06:00

If I were an animal, I would be... a fish in the ocean!

If I were a city, I would be.... Shelley Idaho baby !

If I were a flower, I would be a...gerber daisy or a lily

If I were a vegetable, I would be a... carrott, I have good eyes!

If I were a color, I would be...TURQUOISE, I just love the color!

If I were a fruit, I would be a...Pineapple!

If I were a season, I would be...summer on the beach.

If I were a shoe, I would be a...pair of sandals!!! 75% of my shoes are sandals, i just love them!

If I were a vehicle, I would be a... mazda 6!

If I were an appliance, I would be a...OVEN! how else would i bake my favorite homeade brownies?!

If I were a Disney character, I would be...The little mermaid... i wish i could sing like her!

If I were a dessert, I would be...brownies and Ice Cream

If I were a time of day, I would be... 7:00... Brad usually get's home then! :)

If I were a cereal, I would be...Special K with Strawberries!

If I were an instrument, I would be...a piano... I want one bad!

2008-01-31T09:57:00.000-06:00

Here is a glimpse of what I do at work!! A good day at work is if the phone rings more that two times, if our patients show up so I can actually enter people into the database, and if it is above 65 degrees! They are on this kick about saving energy… so they freeze us to death! J That’s why I am always wearing a jacket or coat. I have actually put on my gloves once or twice! Well today it is SNOWING!!! YIPEE!! This weather reminds me of home, so that is a GREAT thing! Working here is great though… I get a lot of things done. Here are some things I have done recently… when I was taking classes it was homework, homework, homework. I prepare for my CTR 5 class lessons, I filled out my FAFSA application online, and best of all I create my blogger! (If you are wondering how the heck I got pictures of myself at work… no I didn’t bring a camera… I have a MAC monitor which has a camera in it. I wish I could have this computer at my house!

This weekend Kendria Cost asked me to dog sit for her today thru Sunday. It will be fun since Brad will be gone to Texas Tech (win!!! Please!!!! Or at least put up a fight!) She has a 13 ft TV screen downstairs so that will be a blast watching the game. She is taking her husband on a surprise trip for his birthday… guess where they are going!? Jackson Hole! Since my home town is only about two hours away there, with help from my dad, I gave her a bunch of ideas of what they could do there. Anyways, I am supposed to stay out at her house tonight but who knows if I will end up making it out there, it is snowing like crazy! She lives in Keystone Lake, which is about 45 minutes away. Her house is beautiful and they have an awesome view! If Brad and I for some reason end up living here in OK that is where I want to live! I love the water so having a huge lake in your backyard wouldn’t be so bad!

Well, I better get back to work! p.s. do you like my new hair cut!!! It's really choppy, not much shorter but has a little bob going on. I was scared to go much shorter... maybe next time!

President Gordon B. Hinckley

2008-01-29T10:06:00.000-06:00

When I heard the news of President Hinckley's passing I had a feeling of peace and happiness overcome me. I instantly, like many others, thought of how happy he must be right now with his wife and other loved ones that have passed on. If there was anything we could see here on earth I would love to be able to watch what President Hinckley is doing right now. I imagine all the Prophets and leaders of the church assembling together... talking about things way over our heads! I was googling quotes by President Hinckley and this quote really stuck out to me... The quote is from 1997 but was read at Sister Hinckley's funeral as well.

“It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don’t worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. … If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers”

Isn't that so true... When a President of the church passes on we know it will all work out and the church will continue on. That quote can apply to so many personal things as well.

I will miss President Hinckley as our current Prophet... he is the Prophet I grew up with and I will never forget going to the big conference center and every time seeing him with his cane up in the air! His words were always direct, simple, and to the point. They will be words I will hold on to forever!

I love my FAMILY!

2008-01-10T09:55:00.000-06:00

The week of my wedding was sooo hectic... just like everybody's. Here is a sum up of what we did in a week...

Saturday before the wedding we had an open house in St. George for Brad's friends and family. We drove home Sunday. Monday and Tuesday Brad and I had to get our marriage license and wrap up everything else that needed to be done before the big day! Wednesday my family and Brad's family went white water rafting down the Hoback, near Jackson. We had a blast! That next morning I went through the temple for myself which was awesome. Right after my endowments we went to Jaclyn's (my niece) birthday party! How cool is that that her birthday was on the day of my endowment, August 9th! My mom, Brad, and I had to leave early because we had to meet with the decorators to instruct them where to put everything in the yard. That evening my sisters threw me a bridal shower and right after the shower we went out and took these gorgeous family pictures! The pictures turned out awesome thanks to our awesome photographer.... (http://www.barronessphotography.com/) My mom has the photos blown up and displayed so beautifully at home. Well the big day was only one sleep away!!

The morning of the wedding I was supposed to be at the hairdresser’s by 7:30. I slept in until 7:15 because I finally fell asleep just a few hours earlier because of nerves and jitters! My appointment was in IF, 15 minutes away and I still had to gather up everything. I was sooo stressed and in panic mode. While I was speeding to the appointment I said a prayer that everything would work out…. What do you know, my prayer was answered, the hair dresser was late as well! After she finished my hair I met my sister, April, at my grandma’s house to do my make-up (she did an awesome job!). Brad and I were late for the photographer to take our pictures before the sealing because of my hair. We still pulled of some awesome pictures!

The day of our wedding, August 10th, is my Grandpa Thompson's birthday that just passed away last summer of 07'. It was a total coincidence that we set the date on my Grandpa’s birthday. During the day I truly felt his spirit and his love. I remember crying in the temple because I felt his spirit. I was sad to see him go just about a month before the wedding because I wanted him there but I know he “was there”. The temple ceremony was so special and I wish I had a video recorder in my head so I could replay it everyday! The rest of the day went awesome besides I was sick, tired, and had a million bobby pins in my hair. Haha. But really, that week was the best week ever. It opened up a new chapter in my life. I am so thankful to all the people that put so much time into making “our day” the best day ever!

Wow that was crazy... right after I finished writing that I relized that today is the 10th of January... It has been exactly five months! :) How time rolls on by!

Our $200 Poster!

2008-01-08T11:59:00.000-06:00

Alright, so my friends (Cassie Sullivan and Nick Harrison-- which are due to be engaged) and I got together determined to win the $200 they give out to the winning poster at the OSU basketball games. The whole season we would watch students and fans receive visas and we thought it is our time! :) Since I love doing stuff like this I was excited so I masterminded the plan and they helped me put it together. The fun time spent paid off... we won!

What are we going to use this extra cash on... Well we are going to go on an extravegant double date. We figure we will go to OKC for a Blazers game, out to dinner, and desert. Well that was the highlight of the game for us because the boys aren't playing too well right now! (I am dying watching the games, I wish Brad was playing!) Oh yeah... the game was just our night because Nick was chosen to be the Big Mac of the game and shoot to win $25,ooo! He ended up winning a $25 gift card to McDonalds. What a fun day!!

Trinity on Christmas!!!

Thanksgiving in Idaho

2008-01-08T11:35:00.000-06:00

If you watched the video I am sure you got a good laugh if you know my mom! Here’s the story… My dad flew me in for Thanksgiving to surprise my mom. My best friends, Whitney and Camille picked my up from the airport in Idaho Falls and on our way home my dad called saying you are going to need to stall because your mom is in the bath and I am having a hard time getting her out because she just got in. We stalled… then the rest of the story is in the video.

I also was feeling a hair cut while I was in Idaho. So one morning I woke up, called a girl I know, and she chopped off my hair! It was supposed to be a surprise for Brad but he found out before I came home! Here’s the story… I posted a pictured up on Facebook because some of my friends wanted to see. Our friend here is Stillwater saw the picture and she didn’t know that Brad didn’t know so she asked brad, “When did Whit cut her hair”! Well… that surprise went out the door! Brad was sweet about it though, he didn’t tell me that he knew and acted like he was surprised at the airport and then he told me the story later. haha

It It was the best Thanksgiving I have ever had!