Thursday, December 25, 2008

The Cat's Meow . . .



Marcos, Marcos, Marcos . . .

Many moons ago on the 26th of the blessed month of December a child was born that brought sunshine, kittens, rainbows, and every other happy thing that can come to one's mind, into the world - that child was . . . . . Jared Leto

Now, I know that you probably thought that I was going to say you and frankly you would fit into the same category that describes our dear friend from "My So Called Life" and your ruggedly handsome twin, but sometimes in life we guess wrong.  I do hope, though, that you know that even though Jared Leto might have arrived first, you are number one around these parts and definitely the Cat's Meow!  I happen to love you for many reasons  - 
- your hatred of exclamation points and CAPITAL LETTERS
- your seemingly endless way to always be able to eat pizza or cereal
- your childlike obsession for one you called "HoneyNut" (I have to admit I find the odd photos of you always stretching the cat a bit creepy)
- your love of self portraits
- your backwards way of writing and the Sonic the Hedgehog masterpieces that you drew
- your happy dancing nature and much, much more - 
that is why I am very Happy to say that I love December 26th and the excitement that one must feel to know that it is THE Marcos Chard's birthday and that you know him.  Happy Birthday!!!







Nothing says "Happy Birthday" like a glass of cold milk and a cookie from mom . . .

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Carmel Popcorn Sundays . . .

       Due to the current state in which I find myself(surrounded by Christmas loving individuals) I have been thinking lately about traditions and why they mean so much to so many people.  I have always been one of those people that loved Christmas but this year my attitude has been more afixed to that of that well known character of Scrooge.  There seems to be so many things to do and places to go because it's always been that way.  Many individuals have the tradition of going to see the lights at Temple Square, and I have done that from time to time, while others always get together for Gingerbread house making or Christmas caroling.  I guess it boils down to celebrating with the ones that you love.  This season is suppose to be a time of rejoicing for all that we have and giving thanks for the gift of the Savior Jesus Christ.  I know that he wasn't born on "December 25th", but as the Christian world has accepted it as the time to celebrate His sacrifice I need all to know that I KNOW that he is my Savior and Redeemer and that he sacrificed for me on an individual basis as well as for everyone else.
    I beleive that traditions are made from people coming together in a general love for one another and a hope that friendships will last for years.  I remember fondly a tradition that was created on my mission - carmel popcorn sundays.  I was with Hermana Bettger and we loved preperation days:), and so to celebrate that we had made it through another week and that we were on the eve of our favorite day we created this marvelous tradition.  We planned quickly so that we would have time to make the most fabulous popcorn ever - an old Bettger family recipie.  That became a time that helped us relieve the stresses of mission life and laugh and really get to know one another.  Since I have been home I have tried to carry that tradition on from time to time and I have to say that tonight has been one of the best carmel popcorn sundays - - - - I had one of the best helpers around - THE Samuel Chard . . .

"I don't wanna smile" - direct quote from Samu - so here we have a no smiling penguin wearing 4 year old - couldn't get cuter:)

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Wishing and Hoping and thinking . . .

So I bet you all are not loving the snow but I actually love it all and can't wait for more!  I hope the heavens hear my pleas for snow, snow, snow . . .  Let's make it more than last year:)

Friday, December 12, 2008

Missionary Moment Friday . . .

Companion Spotlight:

              Name:  Judith Guynn(pronounced g-win)
     Hometown:  New Canaan, Connecticut
Current Town:  Provo, Utah attending the big BYU

Well, the above photo is not a mug shot as you might assume but just a photo to check the blackness of the hair color that I applied on a typical Guynn and Chard preparation.  Now she might kill me for some of these great photos but hey she was the one that sent me the disc with all of these so I figured she would approve.  There are so many things that I can tell you about this great person.  We were put together for her last transfer and my first in the dry land of Montana Vista, El Paso.  I have to say that I was in Tucson before I was transferred and did not want to leave and that made me very unhappy about going to Texas and I have to say that without Guynn I could not have survived.  Our days were spent tracting and knocking doors with many, many random first lessons and so many crazy moments.  It was hot and dusty and she was leaving and I still had 10 months and the jealousy of that fact at times was overwhelming (bad to say I know, but honest and true and all who have served missions will get the love/hate relationship:) but oh, the fun that we had.  She was an amazing teacher with a special ability of making a connection with anyone.  Her clever wit and funny randomness coincided just right with my own craziness as we talked in funny accents, composed classical music in the car and at times she was the only one that got and laughed at my "darkness" that came forth at times.  Anyway - she's great and all should know it.

The farthest point in our area was at the edge of the mission boundary and took 1 and 1/2 hours to get there - but the stark beauty of it all was worth it(we also taught some good lessons and that adds to the worth:)


Us on the sandy dunes of Montana Vista - we were always stopping to pose for pictures in the sand - it seems odd but trust me there was nothing and i mean nothing else out there:)

Ah, yes - the cowboy and the Indian.  This was something we cooked up for out last District Meeting and I have to say - you just had to be there



haha - again with the sand, and really I have no idea why we chose to lay down - haha, we had the craziest and most fun times - thanks for that, Guynn!  Pretty Sunsets, though, but the serious looks have to go . . .

Lessons with the District Leader and companion and I guess she was more excited than the rest of us:)


Last but not least - the typical missionary camera tricks:)  We were always the last district to get interviewed by the President and so we had boring moments with the only fun technology missionaries are allowed - cameras. 

There you have my first companion spotlight.  I have to say she is such a great person, artist and poet - - you rock, Guynn!!




Tuesday, December 9, 2008

They say it's your BIRTHDAY . . .


Here we have young Susy who we can see started her natural affiliation with horses and anything to do with them at a young age.  From then until now all know that you see Susy and you think horsey . . .


Here she is a beautiful 16 full of dreams and hopes of American men and a far-away adventure.  Little did she know then the grand adventure that being the wife to doug and the mother to gabriel, mia, mario, marcos would be . . .


Ahhh, yes - this is Classic Susy.  The hundred watt smile and the stylish scarf as her favorite accessory.  She is really one of the most beautiful women I know and more because of her charming and loving personality that draws all to her.  


Lastly but never leastly - - - -Here she is as my best friend and companion for anything fun and exciting.  I love you mom and could never be have made it through life thus far without your love and care and everything you do for me!!  I love you enough . . . 

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Damn Bursts . . .

Wow.  That's about all I can say about my very vocal rant in my last post but I have to say it did the trick because you all came through beautifully(maybe though, you were just afraid of 'ol Darth).  I have to say that those responses kept me laughing and I will never think of "Frank" the same.  Thanks to all.  
The other day I found myself in a hospital waiting room and I have to say that I got to thinking about the non - descriptive "art" that grace the walls of fine establishments such as hospitals and if it serves the purpose for which it was intended.  I believe that all things have a purpose but I was curious as to what their purpose was.  Is it to calm the troubled nerves of waiters such as I?  Is it too uplift and bring color to an otherwise colorless and depressing atmosphere?  Did that artist paint that and think "man, I hope this hangs on the wall of a hospital or office building"?  Not that they really are bad works of art just that I wonder many things about them.  Who bought them?  Where did they finds them?  Why did they pick that specific burst of pink and white and blue?  How long as it been there?  Has anyone besides me ever in the history of the world given them that much thought?  
And the questions keep coming.  Needless to say, odd things at times occupy my thoughts.  What about you?  What is odd that occupies your thoughts?

Non - descriptive art that graces one of the grand halls of Davis Hospital
Is it a damn that has burst?  Is it a boat going over a cliff?
(And all the above questions apply to this particular painting)

Friday, December 5, 2008

i hate you all


no one put a mullet name?
some friends you are!!!!

suckers

mia

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thanksgiving thoughts and mullet names . . .

Happy Thanksgiving all!!  I have to admit that this really isn't that big of a holiday to me.  I remember when I was little it was one of the most fun days because everyone came to grandma and grandpa's home and it was the greatest time to get together with all of my great cousins that made everything fun.  Now some might think this is an odd thing to remember but I can still remember how amazing the juice in the big orange pitcher was - there really was nothing better.  We made gumdrop turkeys and set up the tables throughout the house - there was nothing better.  To spend time with the ones that we love is the greatest blessing that we have to be grateful for and that is why I am happy today why I wish everyone a great and fun filled day . . .
Speaking of fun filled, I thought that I would share with you all an interesting moment that brought a smile to my face the other day.  I was at work and a gentleman came in to pay his bill and pulled up in a "Stealth"(the cars actual name) red hot rod.  He came in and sat down and visited while paying and he had one of the greatest flowing mullets ever, the kind that leads you to know he's had it all his life.  It was the kind that came down over the neck but had long hair on top so it all just flowed like a river in the springtime.  As I looked at him I couldn't help but think, "Of course this man has a mullet - - -his name is ROD and he drives and 80's sportscar, it would be a disservice to all mankind if he didn't have the long flowing locks".  There you have it folks - I have now come to wonder and need your help . . . . What other names are given mullet names?                                      
                           
     Uncle Jesse of course - not just "Jesse" but Uncle Jesse!!!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Crimped haIR is where it's AT . . .

These were the days.  It's interesting that there are moments in my life where I feel that if only I could go back to this age it would all be okay.  The innocence and carefree existence of children is one of the most amazing things to watch.  I love to watch my nephews as they grow and change but especially to see the pure joy that they have in their hearts and the love that they so freely give.  I miss those days.  I want to go back - does anyone know the way?

Saturday, November 15, 2008

All my hours spent with the Gilmore Girls finally pays off . . .

                                                       1.jpg
As I glance at the above photo many things come to mind - family, comfort, laughter, comfort, happiness and fun - and did I mention comfort?  I have watched all 7 seasons( in fact as I type this, in the background is season 7 episode 10(featuring the annoying and hated Anna Nardini - mother of Luke's daughter and don't even get me started on that storyline . . .) many times and sometimes just put it on as I am doing things to have in the background or before I go to sleep - it's a comfort thing people - if you haven't gotten the drift about the "comfort" that it brings my soul then you never will:).  Finally, though, my many hours of Gilmore viewing have finally payed off in the form of impressing my teacher and colleagues in my Thursday night English 2020 class.
Here I sit in another long class and we are discussing yet another wonderful play - The Glass Menagerie.  Now, just so you know, my professor Dr. McKay is a very fast talker and very intelligent and sometime a little intimidating.  The class is also a very quiet class - she asks a question and it's crickets until Gabby or I finally answer the question - no one talks.  Anyhow, she is explaining so things about the play because it was set before the depression and as she goes through the pages she stops and throws out, "oh, I have to tell you this so that you understand" and while shaking her head already anticipating that we wont know have an answer she asks "You don't know what the D.A.R. is, do you?" and then before she can say another world my mind jumps in to action and I immediately shout out - "DAUGHTERSOFTHEAMERICANREVOLUTION" - fast and quick.  I get the knowing nod as if she approves of my intelligence and says "yes, very well".  I have made it.  Yes!  Gilmore Girls totally to the rescue - even if I don't have all the intelligence I can now fake it with the help of my favorite show and it gives me a good 10 more months of why I can continuously watch Gilmore with no reprieval -is that even the right word?  I guess I will have to watch some more Gilmore to figure it out. . . .

Friday, November 14, 2008

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Leaving on a Jet Plane . . .


So it begins - - - - tomorrow marcos and I are on our way to good 'ol Indiana to visit our favorite "Indian" family!  I will post later . . . 

Friday, October 24, 2008

Missionary Moment Friday . . .

     I went visiting teaching today.  That doesn't sound like it would connect with my mission, but just hold on all of you . . . it does, it does.  My partner, Britney(yes, spelled like the famous Spears) and I were at the second home and I was turned to the side listening to her talk about the lesson and what was important to her and as I was totally feeling the spirit and all of the sudden it was like a punch in the stomach that I missed my mission so much.  I wasn't prepared for that, and I had to hold back the tears and sobs as I realized that I was feeling physical pain at missing that wonderfully hard part of my life that was the mission.  It was such a bittersweet moment that I am grateful for because it leads me to want to be better and closer to the Lord like I was as a missionary.  It got me to thinking about all the wonderful moments that helped me to grow in my testimony and as a daughter of God.  There are so many things that come to mind to share with you today but I think that I will tell you about someone I met named 
Cindy . . .

This is Cindy in the white and pink with her son AJ and her mother holding her newborn baby girl.  I was told about Cindy before I even met her.  My companion Hermana Guynn told me that she had been taught by every sister and elder since her parents baptism 3 years earlier.  She told me that she even kicked some sisters off her parents property and told them not to come back(which is something Cindy later told me is true:) and that she had never felt ready to be baptized but here we were driving out to the desert of Montana Vista, Texas to visit and teach her with an Elder that was going home in a matter of weeks that had taught Cindy when he first entered the mission field a short 2 years earlier.  Needless to say, I was intimidated.  Showing up and meeting only made my fear greater as she has a certain "gruff - gansta homie" exterior when you first meet her and I ended up saying the most random dumb things that halted conversation each time I spoke and made me hope I didn't look as dumb and awkward as I sounded.  Anyway, we began to teach her the lessons again and fast because for one she could basically teach them to us she had heard them so many times, and for another the Elder that had taught her wanted to baptize her but he was leaving in 3 weeks.  The more that we got to know her and feel of her immensely strong spirit the more I loved that home and never wanted to leave.  Her mom was a pillar of faith that has been through more than me in 10 lifetimes and continues to fight the tumor and cancer battle, the latest one in her brain and through it all she has a faith and testimony that can break any trial.  This photo was taken as she waited to get interviewed for baptism.  She was so happy and ready.  Sadly though, after the interview we found out that she was going to have to wait 6 months to be baptized.  It was one of the hardest things that I ever had to do to face that family and see their excited and eager faces drop when we told them that Cindy would have to wait and then try to explain to them why.  We cried together and Cindy took it alright till the next visit when she shocked us by saying that she would never get baptized because we(the church, the Lord) had rejected her.  She told us that we could come but it wouldn't make any difference.  We decided with Hna. Guynn that we would just go and visit and not try to talk about the gospel for awhile.  I kept that attitude through the 2 other companions that I had in the next 6 months and slowly with time and the Lord and her reading the Book of Mormon she realized that what she needed to do was get baptized.  I have to say that it was one of the happiest moments of my life and there really are no words to explain how my spirit felt the day that Cindy was baptized.  I came from the other area that I had been transferred to and they asked me to speak and it was my honor.  Nothing, though was as beautiful as watching Cindy's father as he lowered her into the waters of baptism and she came up out of the water with the biggest smile on her face.  It was pure joy and I realized today that that kind of joy only comes through the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I know that the gospel is true.  Lives are changed through Christ and he alone .  . .


4 generations - Cindy, daughter, grandmother, mother

(wow - sorry for the length of this gigantic post:)



Wednesday, October 22, 2008

I could be hated by the WHOLE world for this comment . . .

   Alright.  As many of you know I have shared from time to time Pet Peeves that I have and I have been debating whether to share this current one but sharing has won out so here goes . . .

I HATE music on people's blogs.

I will now duck as the tomatoes hit my blog and hope that we can all still be friends.  

Reasons: 

1 - Sometimes the volume is loud on my computer and it takes a minute to load the music section so I am scared 30 seconds into reading a post by the latest Celine Dion ballad or Kenny Chesney song . . .
2 - Many times I am surfing the good 'ol web with my own lovely songs, courtesy of my I-tunes, playing in the background and when I come to a blog that has music I am left with the unfortunate mix of songs and voices that makes me annoyed and makes me switch over to I-tunes to pause my music so that I can read the blog and then move on.
3 - i just am not a fan of music on blogs.

I know that many dear friends and family have music on their blogs and I love them and love reading their blogs and I'm not asking that you change what you like or x me from being your friend but I just had to throw out my opinion to all those that may care to know what goes on in the life and mind of me - Mia Chard . . .

Monday, October 20, 2008

For Wendy . . . .

Dearest Wendy . . . just a little something to bring you back  . . . .

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Pumpkin Carving Madness . . .


We had the perfect fall day yesterday.  It was full of family, food, fun and pumpkin carving as well as singing and wrestling and so much more.  Gabby and Marcela and the kids came and we had what is probably the last barbeque of the season.  I also don't think that I have carved a pumpkin in maybe 10 years and I have to say it was well overdue and I might turn into a professional seeing as my scary faces are the hit of the Peterson town.  Rahndi was down and so she came over with Jamie's kids and they also partook of the pumpking madness. 

I love this shot of Samuel and Mason and the pure joy that balloons bring


getting into the Halloween spirit with orange eyeshadow:)

wow - there is nothing better for little boys than to be left to play in the dirt

the fierceness


a little retaliation.  you should have seen the other guy . . .

I'm right there with you - scariest halloween pumpkin ever, hand's down

Marcela rocks!


Friday, October 17, 2008

Missionary Moment Friday . . .

 I feel that it really is true when they say that there isn't a day that goes by that you don't think about your mission.  No one has really asked - and I haven't really offered, to hear about my mission stories.  Since stories and moments are often on my mind I have decided that every Friday I will share a little memory or story with you all.  Now, enjoy . . .

the 307th missionary for President and Sister Higham.

I remember the first time that I saw this bigger than life wall hanging on the wall of the mission home.  It was right after we had been taken to the Mormon Battalion Monument and I felt like I was sweating and melting into the ground because I had arrived in Tucson on August 8th and you never want that month of August to be your first introduction to Arizona weather.  I had arrived with 19 Elders and 1 sister and to let you know that was the biggest group to ever arrive at the mission home during the Higham's( pronounced High -am not Hig-ham, like Marcos always wants to say) 3 years.  The above wall hanging was about 3 ft. wide and 8 ft hide and I never thought that I would make it to having my name on it because when I stepped off the plane I was sure that I had made a mistake and wanted to turn my little self around and fly back to non-Hell temperatures and familiar people and places.  I'm glad that I didn't.  That 18 months changed my life.  If was harder than I ever imagined it would be but hopefully you will see in the experiences that I share with you how more than worth it I felt it really was. . . . 


Saturday, October 11, 2008

Mission Reunions, Prophets and new determination . . .


(Me and 2 of my companions - Trisha and Alma)


     This past weekend was a great one.  My family has always geared up for a great time whenever it is conference season.  I remember my first conference on the mission and feeling such a sadness that I wouldn't be able to be with my family and partake of all the wonderful traditions that conference weekend brings.  I think, in fact, I missed them all more the 3 conferences that I spent away from them than the Christmas.  This past year has been a challenging one.  While I was on the mission I pictured the year after as a magical one that was free of problems and had me married within months with a million dollar job and a big house on the east bench of Salt Lake City( so . . I'm taking it a little far but you get the idea).  Well, that life didn't happen and real life came in and took it's place leaving me dazed and confused about who I am and where it is I am suppose to be going.  
    My mission president got home in July and so this was the first reunion for his missionaries and of course if had to be in the "Mecca" of Provo but I was very excited to see everyone.  It was an odd and interesting experience.  It was quite comical that no one really knew how to end a conversation so basically when you were done with the generic "what are you doing now?/How is school-work?what are you (oh wait you already asked that - darn)", the silence took over and one of you just walked away . . . there was no goodbye - just walking away.  A few time I tried to do the 'ol point across the room like you see someone else you know and head off hurrying in that direction - but then that got to be to much so I just walked away.  I had a really good time but it got me thinking about who I knew I was on the mission and how some of that person was gone now and how I want that spiritually strong me back.  That feeling was only intensified by conference and the counsel and direction from men that I truly know have been called of God.  That is where the determination comes in.  I know that I need to become a better person and a closer one to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  The wonderful thing about the gospel and His Atonement is that it is possible through repentance and faith and work.  
  It was a great weekend and I'm glad that I was blessed to see so many dear friends.

                                              Us again:)


My friend Harrison - He is crazy:)

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Just doing what I'm asked . . .

Tagged by dear brother Marcos, hear goes . . .

High salary or job satisfaction?
 Salary, baby!!!!  It's all about the money in my book - have never had it and now I want it!!:)
Describe your self.  What do you think about yourself and do you think people perceive you in the same way?
I always hate these kind of questions.  I guess that I am a person that loves to have fun and laugh and that wants to see others happy.  I think that I am fun to be around(if after 30 mintues from when I woke up) and love to learn.  I think that others would agree with me, especially about the 30 minute grace period I need from when I wake up before other human beings can talk to me and expect me to be nice to them.
What is your most favorite book ever?
I also hate this question because I can't narrow that down.  I love to read and have many favorites - Harry Potter, To Kill a Mockingbird, the Kite Runner, The Boxcar Children . . .
Which is the one television character that you simply adore?
Steely Booth from Bones and Angel from Buffy (I know wendy will agree with me:)
What is your taste in music?
Everything from The Bee Gee's, Kenny Loggins, GLoria Estefan, Mana to The Rocket Summer, Cartel, Lionel Richie and everything in between.  Oh . . .and anything written by Billy Joel(musical genius as I call him)
Which is your favorite genre of movies?(Comedy, Romance, Suspense, Action, Horror)
Well, I am an odd duck in that I love the tragedy.  Anything that leaves you sobbing on your knees at the end and feeling as if you can't go in, is my kind of flick.  Now for me that could be Thirteen Going on 30 and Much Ado about nothing - -  - so really you find those kind in all genres.
What do you do when you are feeling sad or depressed?
Put on my favorite kind of movie(see above response:)
What makes you angry?  Do you get angry very soon?  What makes you over come that anger?
Interesting question . . . As my family would call me I am "the defender" - I hate injustice and will take the side and defend to the death anyone that I feel is being threatened.  I also get angry at things that I do at times.  I can be slow to anger but once I am watch out.  After that, though, I am quick to feel remorse.  That really is one part of me I wish to conqueror.
Which is the best vacation you have ever had in your life?
Argentina - hands down - no questions, the end.
If you could have a luncheon with any three people(real or ficticious/from any time period - dead or alive), which would you chose and why?
Well - Harry Potter for one . . . reason being - it's Harry freaking Potter - the second person would be Princess Anastasia because I would want to no if she was murdered with her family or if she survived and JM Barrie - his imagination would be something to hear about . . .

Which is your most treasured childhood memory?  How were you as a kid?
I'm not sure that I have one memory that I treasure above the rest but this one comes to mind as being a great one  - - It was my first day of kindergarden and I went on the bus that took us to school via the freeway.  It was a great day and all was well until the bus ride home when we didn't take the freeway but instead went the old Milton way, I was sure that I had gotten on the wrong bus and in pure Mia fashion new that I would never see my family again.  I can remember being scrunched down in my seat and crying all the way home until I saw in the distance Hinds and knew that maybe by some miracle I would make it home.  I remember the bus pulling up to my house and my dad standing at the door and feeling such a relief and love and a safety as I ran into his arms and burst into tears.  That feeling of childlike safety and innocence is one that I at times long for, but Dad is still my ever present hero:)
I was a self conscious kid at school but at home we were crazy and fun and as Gail always said - we never stopped running . . . 
If given a complete freedom to start afresh, which profession would you chose and why?
Well, it would have to be lion tamer - or professional horse looker after - I love those animals:)
What is your idea of fun?  If given a choice to skip work for the day, how would you spend the entire day?
My idea of fun is doing things that are fun.  So . . . an entire day off of work would begin with the typical sleep-in until my back hurts and makes me get up and then is filled with movies and TV shows like Buffy or Gilmore and a lot of nothing - I love relaxing days that are spent around the house.
Which is your favorite time of day?  Are you a morning person or a night person?
No question about it - night person.  I love sleeping away mornings and am not that happy when I wake up so your for sure want to see me at night . . .
What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
Ate a habanero chile(hottest in the world) and almost died doing it . . .
Name one person that you love the most and one that you hate the most?
There isn't one person that I just love the most but there are three that come in at a great tie - Mason, Ethan and Samuel . . .
In case you and I were going out and had a fight how would you try to patch things up?
Ummmmm . . . 
Which is the most fun prank you played or had one played on you?
I am way to serious for pranks.
If given a choice which animal would you be and why?
I would never really want to be an animal - sorry folks.
Who was your first crush?  DId you ever tell him or her about your feelings?
  Umm . . . a boy named Bryce and sadly I never did -  - - -
Which is your most favorite place in this earth?
anywhere with friends or family that I love.
If you were stranded on a lonely beach, what are the five things that you would want to survive?
gum
hacky sacks
a picture of Peter O'Toole
mangos
and silly putty.
The End .

Sunday, September 21, 2008

For all intents and purposes - A Country Girl . . .

(as close as I dared go and bear in mind that there were more cows when I was mowing closer to them and also they look MUCH bigger in person:)

The other day when I had the day off and was the only one home I decided to do something that I haven't done in quite some time - - - -mow the lawn.  I have to say that in my youth (and some may disagree but remember that I'm right) I was the designated mower.  I can remember long sunny afternoons as I pushed our mower around every inch of our lawn and grandpa's and doing it all out of the love of my heart.  As the years went by and into my teens Mario and Marcos began to be old enough to help out now and again, and I have to say that after all my years of hard work I was glad for the change.  Well, I reflected upon all of that as I went out to the mower which has since changed to the wonderful riding mower that helps make the process SO much easier and welcoming.  I decided to start in the back with the huge field that we used to use as a baseball diamond and that leads to the entrance to the field.  I have always considered myself a country girl  - in the fact that I like the country, the wide open space - and definitely not in the way that means I come in contact with animals because since I can remember they scare the crap out of me.  Horses, cows, dogs, cats, mice, goats - the list goes on.  Now the field is home to Burt's cows and the lawn that I was mowing comes right up to the gate.  The gate used to be strong and sturdy but since Uncle Jim has moved to Peterson and used it a lot more it has become flimsy from all of the use.  As I began approaching the gate many of those great giant beast's we call cows, began to move very close to the fence and I was feeling a bit uncomfortable.  Now put together my fear of animals and the flimsy fence and you have a recipe for disaster.  All of a sudden I was seeing visions of the cows pushing through the fence and making my quiet mowing experience into my own private running of the bulls where they would trample me and no one could save me for the mere fact that no one would come looking for me "out in the field, mowing" and I would die alone with my last image of this great world being cow's feet(or is in hooves - who knows).  Now, with all of that running through my head I did what any self respecting Agrizoophobe would do - - - I decided to only mow the half of the lawn away from the crowd of cows while constantly turning to make sure they weren't coming at me from behind.  I can tell you it wasn't easy but, the fact that I am now writing this can put your heart at ease that I didn't die from a trampling of cows. . . . .

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Swiss Days and IKEA . . .






So . . . . a few weeks ago I made one of my mom's dreams come true and we had a great time.  My mom has always said that she has wanted to go to Swiss Days in Heber but we have never been able to go . . . until, this year.  We left really early Saturday morning with a car full of Mate, snacks and good music and headed to Heber.  It was a beautiful morning and it was good we got there early because it was packed full of crazy Swiss Day goers who loved the homemade scones, crazy booths and small town parade.  It was fun to see all of the crafts and the parade reminded me of a typical Morgan parade with High School Cheerleaders and homemade floats.  We then made our way to SLC and another place my mom was dying to see - - - -IKEA.  It was just like everyone has said in that it had great deals, new looks and good prices.  It was a really fun weekend.

This is mom and I bright and early Saturday morning . . 


Here is the typical Susy Chard road trip food - - - - bread, string cheese and of course Mate . . .




It was a beautiful day and they had a fun little parade as well (check out mom's serious face)


Now here comes the fun time of the trip - - -the great IKEA.  Now you can tell by the looks on both of our faces how we felt about the decision that was made to come to this store:)



and that's a wrap . . .