Love the Bliss: November 2009

Monday, November 30, 2009

Annie got baptized!!

Annie was baptized on November 27, 2009...the day after Thanksgiving! Ian baptized her and Ralph confirmed her. It was a simple sweet occasion with just the family, a member of the bishopric (Tim) and his wife (Valerie) and their son Soren, and I think all the missionaries in the area. The opening song sounded so awesome with all those priesthood voices! It was a very perfect baptism!! Just what we wanted!

Soon to be missionary!

My son is preparing for his mission and just completed all the paperwork yesterday! I am so excited for him! And, of course he makes his momma very proud! When "the call" comes, we'll be sure to let you all know!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Double Layer Pumpkin Pie

This is an absolutely delicious pumpkin pie alternative...and it's no bake!

Here's the link to the recipe:

Double-Layer Pumpkin Pie recipe at Kraftfoods.com

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

I love UGG boots!

These cute little boots are officially on my wish list! I'll probably just go buy them myself instead of dropping hints all over the place or leaving pictures on my blog!
PS...I did go buy them and they are very cute and comfortable! The best part of all is that I got them 20% less than suggested retail!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Halloween Invitational Oct. 2009

Abigail competed in a Club Meet on Halloween Day and here's how she did:

2nd place girls 11-12 200 Yard Free Relay with a time of 2:20.83
2nd place girls 11-12 200 Yard Medley Relay time 2:34.94
2nd place girls 11-12 50 Yard Breast time 41:32
3rd place girls 11-12 50 Yard Free time 33:51
4th place girls 11-12 100 IM time 1:25.53 (dropped 2 seconds)
4th place girls 11-12 50 Yard Fly time 40.72 (she dropped 5 seconds!)
4th place girls 11-12 50 Yard Back time 40.37 (dropped 33 hundredths of a second)

So, overall in the Girls ages 11-12 she came in 3rd place. Not too shabby!!

There is another meet the middle of November...the last opportunity to qualify for more age group events. She's already in 7 now but wants to add the 100 Back and possibly the 200 IM. I think if she goes with 7 events that will be good...it's a lot!

Swimming is awesome!!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

2009 Regional Finals

Here are a couple pictures from last nights meet. The first is the West Valley Girls team Regional champions. The second is Mallory and a couple team mates and the third is Mallory on the podium receiving her 3rd place recognition for the 100 Breast. She swam a 1:16.61. She did great but unfortunately, it wasn't a qualifying time for State. Her 200 Medley Relay team came in 2nd in Regionals also but it wasn't a qualifying time for State. West Valley girls did great overall in Regionals and claimed First Place over the other schools in our Region. They did awesome!!

Relatively Inexpensive Pleasurable Addictions

A thought occured to me that a discussion of alternatives to less desireable addictions would be good. I do realize that some pleasures are relative...these are just some of my ideas. A final note is that I believe passions are great! But, all of us need to become the master in bridling all of our passions...or addictions.
Number 1: Chocolate...lets all eat Dark Chocolate! I have heard that it's very healthy to eat a tad everyday! Remember though...just one square a day...and I don't mean a giant chocolate bar square...the itty bitty square that makes up the big one!
Number 2: Run...get outside and run and don't stop until you want. LOVE those endorphins!! So addicting and so much healthier than alternatives. Okay, there is a bit of expense in the beginning because you need a good pair of shoes, and you should probably wear some shorts at least...and a top.
Number 3: Walk...it's not as hard on the knees but as beneficial as running!
Number 4: Read...a good book is downright fun! If you've gotta do something everyday or all night long, reading a good book can do no harm!
Number 5: Lift weights, ultimate frisbee, swim, practice yoga or pilates or any sport! If you gotta do something, exercise...again, those endorphins make you happy!! And, they're free!!
Number 6: Get a hobby...photo books, knitting, crafty stuff, sewing, geneology...whatever...just do it. I realize some of these things will cost some money, but none of them should compromise your health.
Number 7: Hang out with someone you love! Everyday!
Number 8: Eat veggies...or fruits...have them at your disposal all day just to keep from reaching for something not so healthy or that could potentially kill you and your loved ones!
Number 9: Play games...video, internet, gameboy. I've seen some people have a really difficult time tearing themselves away from the TV, computer or whatever device...but, if it keeps you away from serious alternatives that could cause harm, a little or maybe a little more than a little can't kill you. Remember though, too much of a good thing, can be too much! So, limit yourself!
Number 10: Remember that if something is causing you harm, using up all your resources of money, taking you away from things that are good, perhaps it's time to reevaluate your addictions. I think the key is to find pleasure in your addiction and not over-do or abuse it!