Los Angeles

On Sunday, I was with my parents in LA, California. We had a little time before the wedding festivities so we made our way to the LDS temple there. At first it was quite cold but as the morning progressed, our time on the grounds warmed up. It's only second in square footage to the Salt Lake Temple. I really enjoy the view of the city from the LA Temple grounds. It was a nice time.

Blood is Thicker Than a lot of Things

This weekend, I drove with my parents to Los Angeles, California for my cousin Kristal's wedding. Her dad is my dad's youngest brother. The ties to that side of the family have been getting stronger and stronger over the years and it's a wonderful thing. I saw my Uncle Jeff for the first time since I was in the 1st grade (approx. 30 years ago). I also saw my cousins David, Dru, Sean, and Nathan for the first time. They are really good people.

My cousin, Kristal, married Scott Kupferman. He is one of the nicest people I have ever met. They are a good match. 

When I get together with my extended family, the idea that blood is thicker than water is re-etched into my brain. There is something incredible about being in the company of relatives. It's an automatic connection. There is no doubt that the ties are there. I feel that family bonds are forged long before we are born and I feel blessed to know these people. 

My mom, Uncle Jeff, and my dad.

Me, my mom, and my cousin, Kristal.

Me, my mom, my cousin, Kristal, and my dad.

Me and my Uncle Jeff.

My cousin, Kristal and her husband, Scott.

The End is Near!

Another school year is coming to a close. That is obvious. Students are barely hanging on. Teachers are barely hanging on. End of year testing will be complete by today's end. It's been a good year. One of my best years, in fact. 

As my 6th year in the field of education comes to an end, I want to say thank you to my students who have made it such a great year (even though none of them will ever see this blog, because I won't ever give any of them my blog address) and my coworkers who have been so supportive and my good friends. They have made each day something to look forward to.

Mor

Any attempt to express my gratitude to my mother for all she is to me will be woefully inadequate. Yet, I feel I must attempt it. 

My mother was born in Stavanger, Norway during the Second World War. The Nazi's had invaded her homeland and life was not easy for her family. My mom recollects only a little from those days. My grandparents uprooted their lives to come to the United States. I can only imagine the courage they had to muster in order to do that. Mom entered the U.S. only a few months after her sixth birthday. She can remember her first view of her new homeland: the Statue of Liberty.

My mom went to school, learned to speak English, and stayed active religiously. When she decided to serve a mission and was called to the Paris, France Mission, she had to become a citizen of the United States in order to leave the country. She did and served an honorable mission. I grew up with a desire to be a missionary because my mom was.

She met and married my dad, Mike, in 1970. They both finished their degrees at BYU in Provo, Utah. From there, they started their family and then traveled the world as a result of my father's military career. My mom is the oldest child in her family and I am the oldest of her children. (The picture above is her holding me the day I was given a name and a blessing).

My mom raised 9 children. Occasionally she spent months alone with us when my dad had to travel for work. I don't know how she did it. She has said before that she simply took one day at a time.

Here are a few things about my mom that I know:

1. She's got more patience than Gandhi ever had.

2. She knows who she is. 

3. Because of her, I know who I am.

4. She's a great cook!

5. She loves me.

6. She's proud of me.

When I grow up, I want to be just like her. If I can manage that, even half way, life will be good.

I love you, Mom!

 

Ramblings

I have nothing to write about so I've decided to post some ramblings. For all of those who read this, it will be boring. Life has been moving right along. I have nothing to complain about and a lot for which I am grateful. 

I have a marvelous family. 

Amazing friends. 

Spring has finally decided to stick around. Yay!

I'm trying to limit my TV watching. I'm enjoying moderate success. Whenever a jewelry commercial makes an appearance, I roll my eyes. My sister waits for me to say, "Who wants diamonds? Get her an iPod!"

That's about it. Pa!