Wagner Home Tour - Part 1: The Room Where We Live

I know I've promised a lot of people that I would post pictures of the work we've done in our house. Well, I'm making good and even better on my promise. You are going to get more than you bargained for. This is the first of many posts which will be a real tour of our home. You will not only see what it looks like but learn what these things mean to me, what I think of when I see these things. We start in the living room and go to the staircase. If you want to see the before shot, watch the video on this previous post.






I had to add this picture of the fireplace in it's full glory. This was at our Wagner Thanksgiving Bash last November. Seth and Garret (our nephew) get to be famous in this post. We love this fireplace. I have always wanted one. We have burned a whole rack (8'X4') of wood in a matter of 3 months. This fireplace has proved to be quite a boon to us. We have lived this winter at 60 degrees in the day and 50 at night so that we could afford the heating bill, and having a fire in the grate can really warm your whole soul in those circumstances. This year we are going to get at least a rack and a half so we don't run out of wood in the beginning of March. This fireplace, to me, is like the heart of our home. It is in the center, it warms our home and all who gather around it. All the things in our living room face it.

Now for our mantel. I found this painting at T.J. Maxx here in University Heights. It is like in connection with a home goods store. I was just walking the aisles of paintings (I just love art, especially paintings of beautiful places) and I came across this depiction of a canal street in Venice. I immediately fell in love, and when I found the price tag, I knew it was coming home with me. I love the warm colors, the reflections of the buildings in the tranquil water, the boats, the steps that go from the house right into the water. I have only read about places like this, but when you read you can feel like you are really there. I would love to go to this place, sit in one of these boats, and just listen and watch.

The blue bowls were hand made for us by Brother Noel Jensen from my home stake. They were a wedding gift from the Jensens. When I was about 16 I went on a Summiteer Trip with some of the Young Women in my stake. Brother and Sister Jensen were our guides and chaperons. We went to the Boundary Waters in Minnesota next to Canada to canoe 70 miles in one week and portage everything from lake to lake. Their daughter, and my friend Ariel was my tent mate. Anne Marie was my partner; she is a spunky, frank lady with a good sense of humor and a strong will to work hard. I remember a time when I was so tired. We had been paddling a long long time and the wind was against us on our right; I wanted to give up. But Ann Marie who was at the back of the canoe and steered the ship would keep nudging me along "Paddle left. Paddle left." I thought my left arm would fall off, but it didn't. She was my encouraging voice to keep me going even when I wanted to switch to the other side, or let us drift into the shore. Brother Jensen is a strong and gentle, quiet and dependable person. There was one day when Ariel and I perhaps strayed too far from the group, and got caught in the strong current of a river. Ariel caught on to a rock and got covered in leeches. I, however, couldn't find anything to grab onto and got sucked under. I careened down the river hitting sharp rocks and being thrashed around in the current. I literally wondered if I had taken my last breath. But I prayed hard, and I found the air. I saw Brother Jensen on the shore wading in with a large branch. I latched onto it with all my might, and he pulled me to safety. He saved my life. So, although visitors might think they are just some nice bowls to hold our pistachios on the mantle and invite them to come get warm by the fire or appreciate the silent escape into Venice, Italy, they have a deeper meaning than that. Perhaps they represent an urging voice for me to keep paddling on the good side when I am weary, or the reminder that someone is always watching out for you to hold out a branch and a strong hand to pull you out when you are drowning.

Now comes my exciting story of the decorative accents. I had really wanted to have something simple and elegant to stand on each side of our painting. I went to Joanne Fabrics for the first time in Cleveland, and wow! It is like I walked into a candy store at the age of four holding the hand of my mother and hoping that we would leave carrying one of everything out of it. I walked around the store by myself, wandering each aisle to find out what mysteries awaited me. I came to the aisle of some beautiful tall vases which would be perfect for my plan, yet they each cost at least $18-60. That was a candy bar out of our price range. Then the dried accent reeds, stick, pussy willows and leafy things were each at least $8-15! Then if you wanted an anchor to keep your vase from falling over and your accents upright, you had to buy the 'accent marbles' or as Seth calls them "marbs" because they are only half marbles, not whole ones. So, the price of this whole thing could be over $50 at the cheapest!

I went home hoping I could figure something out to look nice and inviting and not break the bank. We have been praying to find ways to cut down on our expenses and live more frugally. We have great examples here in Cleveland especially in Seth's brother-in-law, Jeff Brimhall, and our friends Emily and Sam Barker. They hate to spend money or waste anything, they find old things and fix them and make them new to them. Well, the Lord answered our prayers as he always does. I was at Walmart the next day, and I walked by a similar aisle. I saw vases that would be perfect, and they were simple, but elegant. $3 a piece! I got two. I looked at the accent pieces, and didn't really like them and they were still more than I wanted to pay. So were the sand and 'marbs. 'Then I remembered that while organizing all of Seth's childhood until marriage boxes, I had found a small random bag of "marbs."

They weren't the exact color I wanted, but I remembered also that deep in my craft box I had a bottle of sand I had collected in Pensacola, Florida (I now think that might have been illegal, and I'm sorry, but I might as well use it for something good.) in March 2008. I was there at a Novice National Debate Tournament. All of our 3 BYU Idaho teams had made it past prelims into the final rounds. My partner, Quincy Stott and I made it through every round into the championship round against Utah Valley University (funny; another couple of LDS kids; the only team other than the ones from BYUI out of 38 teams). We ended up getting a metaphor (after not getting to debate No Child Left Behind, Ethanol, or the government of Kenya, my pet topics) "Beware the Ides of March." So, Quincy, being the genius that he is, came up with the something we needed that could connect with this warning of fatality: 'Egypt should be a mediator between Iran and Israel to try prevent massive destruction and death between these anciently bitter enemies.' Our opponents decided to argue that we should have argued about the importance of Julius Caesar and historic literature, and we had to prove our point, that we had picked a debatable topic, and that they were wrong. Well the next day we did two things, Quincy and I became the Novice National Champions for a year, and we went to the beach to celebrate and soak up some Florida sun. We did a little too much of the latter, for every single one of us, except Jill, the very smart and pale one, apparently underestimated the power of the Florida sun and didn't apply enough sunscreen. It was only 70 and it was windy, so we didn't feel like we were burning. We applied, but didn't reapply like Jill, wise Jill. All were sunburned, so more than others. I got the very worst of it. I hadn't seen the sun in over a year because of illness the year before, and I was foolish enough to go around in my bathing suit the whole time. Needless to say, I was badly burnt on both sides all over my body (where my bathing suit doesn't cover) and I also got sun poisoning. I couldn't walk for a week. I had a high fever, a headache, missed class, couldn't sleep, ached, itched, peeled, and my skin turned black purple and blue on my legs. So it was a very memorable beach experience to say the least. But I would do Nationals again because I learned many lessons there, and that it feels good to win was the least important of them. During the quarter-final round, we were debating about the Tibetan monks who were being oppressed and couldn't have peaceful free speech. We were the government/affirmative. We took the stand that we as Americans need to be more aware of these situations in the world and change our mindsets. That is when we can change the world. In the second to last speech one of our opponents got up and said that we hadn't accomplished anything in the round, that you can't just change the world by trying to talk about issues and change people's mindsets. He said the debate is about arguing the best, and winning the round. Well, I had the last word. I felt a powerful indignation surging through all of me. It was no longer about winning the round, or oppressed monks in Tibet, there was a bigger picture at hand. I stood and said something to this effect, (I have refined it a bit through revisiting the thought).

'Our opponents seem to think that debate is about winning and losing, it's about following debate theory and rules, and impressing judges. But it isn't about that at all. The very reason we research, and ponder, and write, and speak, and argue is to change the world. No, none of the ideas we create, or policies we envision at this tournament will be passed at the end of it, this is only a mock senate, but if we can walk away knowing that we have changed one mind, and made someone aware of a problem and presented a good solution, we have succeeded indeed, trophy or not. No, I don't live in Tibet; I don't govern there, but I care about these people, and I care about freedom. I believe that all people deserve freedom. Freedom isn't easily gained; it must be fought for and taken. From the beginning of time, all it has taken to change the world is one voice... to shout out a call for justice and truth. One mind to inspire another to act and do the same. It takes only one to start an army, and it will grow, and spread. I don't know if we will win this round today, but I know if I have convinced any one of you judge or spectator that these people are important and that people need to know, then I can walk out proudly with my head held high knowing that we have succeeded in our mission. Debate can change the world... one mind at a time.'

I know that was a long story, this is all a long story but that sand in the vase means more to me than the trophy that is neatly wrapped in a box in my attic. When I see it, I remember the supportive husband who cared for me, and nursed me back to health after this trip. It helps me to remember my team, what I learned from them, and what I learned from Forensics. It urges me to recall what I learned about my purpose to learn, study, and fight for truth, equality, and goodness. From writing this, I know what this sand means to me. It has a story.

I filled the vase with the mismatched colored 'marbs,' and I poured the sand over it. Then I thought that they looked pretty bare, and I wanted to fill them with something nice. The time came to my mind from a couple weeks before when I was out gardening in our flower beds trying to clear the debris to let the new plants grow. There were a lot of long stick like things, reeds and such from hostas and some other plants from last year. I had put them in a pile by the driveway. I grabbed my clippers and went out to dig for treasure. I found many reeds in good shape. I excitedly ran back to the house and eagerly started placing the reeds into the sand. I found enough to make quite a nice display, all for $6. I stood and grinned and giggled at it for about 5 minutes and Seth just laughed at me. I often giggle when I'm really excited or pleased when I read something, or do something I really like. Now that I think about it, it's perfect really. These dried reeds came from our house, but they grew when another tenant lived here, they grow every year, so perhaps they bring a little of the past of our home into the picture. They symbolize the work it takes to transform your home into something beautiful. They show me that often times one person's weeds are another person's flowers. I looked at my yard waste and found something beautiful I could create from it. Yes, this was a grand experience. Yesterday I was just excited about saving money, and making my home look nice. Now I realize that if you ponder your experiences and the answers to your prayers a little more deeply, you can find lessons to be learned and great meaning for what you do and love.

I am so thankful for a closed entertainment cabinet so that the TV isn't the center of attention and focus of our living room. It is a quite afterthought, only brought out when needed. My Aunt Diane and Uncle Scott helped us out so much, they gave us so many things and helped us find others. Thank you! They gave us the coffee table that Scott had made with this father. We got the tan shag rug at Walmart for so much less than the other rugs we had seen, and it is cozier!

We got a set of 4 pretty lamps that fit our style for under $100. We don't have a ceiling light, and they put a warm glow in the room. Scout, our kitten knocked one down and the top fell off. It still lights up, so I'll probably superglue it or tape it, and it will be like new. That's the only thing she's broken. Scout is a good companion. She's energetic, friendly, funny, cuddly, soft and clean. All I could want in a pet. A great edition to our home.

She loves to lounge on any soft blanket, especially fleece. We always keep this huge cozy brown fleece blanket on this chair and she loves to nap their. Now, I think of her when I see the blanket (sometimes because I'll find a few soft white hairs stuck in it). When she wants to sleep she comes over to it, walks around a bit, starts to purr loudly, finds a good spot and starts kneading it with her claws. It looks like she's kind of doing a little dance, then she'll lay down, continuing to kneed and then she'll start licking it, to groom it I suppose. Finally she will find a funny position and try to sleep still purring vigorously.

This blanket, and the comfy couches represent relaxation and comfort. There should be a place like that in every one's home. Where they can cuddle up or sprawl and relax resting aside their worries for a while.

Aunt Diane and Uncle Scott just gave us this wonderful Eddie Bauer couch that looks and feels like new. We had gone to look at couches at some furniture stores and the ones we liked cost like $1200! We thought we wanted this beautiful white sectional for that much, but we had a feeling we should go home and think about it first. We went home and measured, and found out that it wouldn't have even fit in the room! What a blessing that we didn't buy it, and we got this couch for free! If we had bought it, I wouldn't have been able to get my piano!

Then my Uncle Scott helped us out by taking us to a place called front room furniture that has discount prices. We saw an entertainment center that we really loved. It was beautiful, had all the features we wanted, but it was over $400! We also saw this chaise lounge chair, and I really liked it and so did Seth, and it was the floor model so it was only $275. We decided to get them both. The entertainment center was so heavy 4-5 guys had to move it on a dolly. Then it didn't fit in the cargo van we'd rented!! Can you believe it!? Well, we fit the couch, the chair, and all the other great stuff my aunt and uncle gave us and headed back to Cleveland. We tried hard to decide what we should do, should we try to go down again and get it, or try to get our money back? We decided on the latter and they refunded the money.

It was a blessing to have a great couch, lounge chair, and $400. The lounge chair and couch are different fabrics, patterns and colors, but Seth and I think they look great together. They compliment eachother. Even the pillows that came with the chair are all different, but they go well together. That is kind of like how Seth and I are. We are very different in personalities, strengths and weaknesses, communication styles, and interests but we work together well, we compliment one another. Seth also thought he would never like it if a couch had that different of pillows on it, but he does. So you never know until you try it out. I love this lounge chair. It fits me and Seth comfortably. We can cuddle up under our brown blanket and watch a movie together or read together. My mom called it the "loooove couch." I like that. I love Seth, and it's great to be able to be with him. This living room and whole house wouldn't mean much to me at all if Seth weren't there by my side. (P.S. I think that there are some sun spots in the picture.)

You can't see it too well, but my dad's guitar is behind the chair. He lent it to me so I could practice. I am slowly teaching myself to play, and I love to sing and play great music. That is a big important part of my life, and my growing up thanks to my parents. I also keep my knitting there. I often knit when I am listening to music or watching a movie. That characterizes me well. I like to work most all the time on something or other, I don't like being idle, and I'm always doing a bunch of things at once.

This is Seth's favorite picture of the Prophet Joseph Smith. He got it signed by the artist Del Parson. I am so glad we finally found a way to frame it and display it in a prominent place in our home. We believe that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God. He restored the true church of Christ to the earth. If Jospeh Smith was a true prophet, then everything else in this gospel is true. I know it is. I see it's blessings in my life everyday. It is the biggest thing in our lives. It gives us direction, answers, faith and hope, love, and a reason to live and do our best because we know that through this we can have eternal happiness together as a forever family. Joseph Smith made that possible for us, and we are grateful.

D&C 135: 3

3 Joseph Smith, the aProphet and bSeer of the Lord, has done more, csave Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the dfulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own eblood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not fseparated!

(Sorry I couldn't get the reflection to go away.)

I know that Seth has a strong testimony of the truthfulness of the Prophet Joseph. I was heard him explain to his sister in tears and in absolute earnest that there are only 3 options in the Joseph Smith story.

Option 1. He lied. This makes absolutely no sense because no man on earth could endure the persecution and trials he did for a lie. He was imprisoned, persecuted, taken from his family, beaten, he had to stand by and watch while his family and friends were persecuted and abused and killed for the sake of the gospel, and he suffered even death for this cause. What man could do this for something he knew was not true?

Option 2. The devil wanted him to do it. This is not possible because of all the wonderful things that come because of this gospel. People all over this world are finding peace and happiness because of it; they are serving others; they are feeding the poor and helping the needy. They are clean and pure and kind. What kind of devil would want people to do that?

Option 3. He told the truth. He did see God the Father and the Son Jesus Christ. He followed them, and the only way he could endure so much, and so much good could come from this gospel is that it is true.

When I heard Seth bear this witness of the truthfullness of Joseph Smith, I knew for myself that I have no doubt in my whole soul that it is all true. Anyone who earnestly seeks and prays to the Lord to know, will have that witness as well.

I found this clock when I found the Venice painting at T.J. Maxx. At first I wasn't sure that I liked it, but it was only $10 on sale, and we needed a clock. I didn't want one that ticks out loud because it drives me crazy and makes me nervous, and too aware of the time passing. I want to enjoy my time. Time is a thing of mystery. It can feel like it takes a long time to pass, but when we come to our senses it is already long gone. It can be a beautiful thing as well because as time passes, people can become the better, wiser versions of themselves. Time is a part of life. This clock reminds me of mysterious beauty because I'm not sure that I like it at first, but if I look at it the right way, it is beautiful to me, and not a burden but a blessing or opportunity.

Ricky, Seth's older brother gave us this TV. Thanks Ricky! It's better than watching the 13."
Our prayers were answered. When I found a place on Craigslist to buy some wood for the fireplace, I found this entertainment center for $300 less than the other one we wanted. But we liked this one even better. Our great home teachers, (two men from our ward at church who are assigned to visit us once a month and make sure we are doing ok, and see if they can help us in anyway) Rich and Clay helped us move it into the house after they helped us unload all the wood. Thanks guys! Here is what it looks like on the inside. It is solid wood, the doors open and slide in, the TV pulls out and swivels. There is a big drawer to put library movies and other stuff in. In the bottom we can fit our games, movies and music. It really is our center for entertainment. We love all of those things.

Next to the entertainment center we have a bin that I fill with all the toys and kids books we can find. I want children to always feel loved and welcome in our home. And although we have not yet been blessed with children, we know they will come someday, and we look forward to it with anticipation.

This table runner I made into a wall hanging, I got in Guatemala. It reminds me of the time Seth and I spent there. We went to teach English to underpriviledged children at a school that had been built as part of the system of 2 others by a non-profit organization to try to help combat poverty. In Guatemala I learned you can be happy if you chose to be no matter what your circumstances, or on the other hand sad or angry if you chose. I met people who were different from me but were beautiful just the same and they loved me. I learned the heartache when you see children beg and you want to give them all you have or take them with you but you can't. I saw families with practically nothing but the clothes on their backs and their children worked to help support the family although some were only 5 years old. They didn't have a lot to eat and thought they couldn't send their children to school; perhaps they couldn't. But I learned that education is the only way to break out of the cycle of poverty. I learned that education is always worth the sacrifices you must make to get it because it will help you put more food on your table, and get you dental care, and a nice bed to sleep on. But most of all education unlocks the windows of your mind, and when that happens, anything is possible.

My Uncle Scott and Aunt Diane also gave us this globe. I love globes. It is wonderful to have one, even if it does say USSR for Russia. Someday I would like a great big one painted with earthtones and has solid wood or brass or brushed gold trim.

I love to learn about all the places in the world. While I was in debate I learned that the United States is not the only important country. It is a great one indeed, but there are so so many others just waiting for us to discover them. Yes, they are peopled already; full of people that not enough of us know about. With foreign beauty and language, tragic troubles, and crumbled governments. But I know that in all places there are people who have the very same needs and desires as we do. They have families, and dreams. They need us to know about them; they surely know about us. I took a geology class with my sister Claire my last semester in college. I would have just switched to a BS just so I would need to take that class. I learned to be in awe of the earth and it's mysteries. It is an amazing thing. I am sure because of this earth that we have that functions the way that it does that there is a Great Creator. The Lord made this majestic place just for us. It is glorious and beautiful. I want to study and learn all I can about the earth, and its contents man and beast, land and sea.

My Grandma Hubbard gave me this stack of books and the Random House Dictionary on our Coffee Table in March when I went to visit them in Orem, UT. It turns out that my grandma has three whole shelves of books all written and most publised between 1893 and the 1930's. I have a passion for old books, and classic books. She has a set of 20 books published in the 30's of all the greats: Shakespeare, Sir Aurthur Connan Doyle, Dickens, Browning, Thurow, oh the list goes on and on. I have a goal to read every one. The wonderful thing is: my wonderful Grandma told me that no one wanted these old books, and she was thinking of giving them to the library, but I want them! So she is going to give them all to me! Hooray! I am so excited to read every one! I am enchanted by the yellowing pages, the smell when you first open the book, the binding, the colors! Oh, thank Heaven for good books. Someday, if we ever have the opportunity and means, I am going to have a library; a whole room lined with rich wood shelves of books all the way to the ceiling with a ladder that rolls so you can get the ones at the top. It will have a fireplace, a big cozy easy chair with a foot rest, a fleece blanket and a nice antique looking lamp. This chair will sit in front of a big, real wood burning fireplace. I will have my real solid wood desk, one just like my Grandpa Hubbard's that has dozens of little drawers and cupboards that has a roll down top. I will write letters there, and my thoughts and experiences, maybe a story or two. It must have a window of course, and deep colored heavy curtains that I will custom make for the room. Yes, this is a lofty dream of mine, and someday it may come true. In this wonderful dream I will spend hours searching, pouring over the wisdom available to anyone who has the blessed ability to read it. I will go on adventures, fight battles, fall in love, get my heart broken and then mended again. I will learn of the good things in life, and of the solutions to the bad ones. In this blessed room, I will become a better version of myself because of what I will learn from those who have triumphed over the adversary, and have followed the light which is the light of Christ, even if they didn't know that at the time. But I won't wait until that day when I have my library. I have already started this search for truth, love, goodness and beauty. It is out there, often times enclosed in the books put up upon the shelf just waiting to enlighten any who dare open the pages and search its contents. Thank you Grandma. I am very excited about the books.

I had this basket, and a lot of cloth napkins my grandma gave me, and a candle that was bridal showed gift. I put them together and found that they worked.

Seth gave me this for my 20th birthday. It is a picture of Christ that I love because of the humble, pensive, loving look in his eyes. It also has a copy of "The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles," which is a document written and signed by the Prophet, First Presidency and 12 apostles of the church that testifies that Jesus is the Christ, He lived and died for us, and He lives again. Because of Him and His sacrifice we can have eternal happiness and live again with Him, our Heavenly parents and our families forever.

I hung this right in our living room because I am so proud that Seth chose to serve the Lord for two years. It also helps to start conversations, and people ask questions about Seth's mission and he can share with them the purpose of a mission, about where he went and the people he served.

Perhaps, having this in a prominent place in our home helps Seth to remember this time in his life, and helps us to recommit ourselves each day to serving the Lord and trying to share His gospel. Hopefully some day, our children will see it often and search their own hearts for the desire to go and serve a full time mission. And Seth is so cute! I love this picture.

We got our bookshelves at Walmart for way cheap, and I assembled them, during which activity I accidently stabbed myself in the hand with a phillips head screwdriver: tough experience. Our living room is the place we keep our books, and the general place we read in. That big chaise lounge is perfect to cuddle up next to the lamp or the window with a good book. I think reading is one of the most wonderful abilities and past-times there is. It is a big part of my life, and I hope we can instill a love of reading and learning in our children.

My parents gave us this nice painting for Christmas. It makes me think of peace. I just love fall and trees! That is one awesome thing about Cleveland. It is covered in decidous trees. Last fall I had a broken foot, not many friends, and I was unpacking, but this year things will be different, and I am going to go around taking pictures of the gorgeous trees and homes in our neighborhood.

These are some pictures from our engagement to some times in the first year of our marriage.

I never thought I would like wood stairs that aren't carpeted, but they've grown on me. And these small carpet pads have probably prevented me from falling down the stairs countless numbers of times. I wish I could find some for the third floor stairs.

This window puts so much light into the house during the day. It is so nice! The rug looks great there. (What you would never know is that it is covering a weird square opening in the wall that exposes the pipes.)

This is authentic rug made by an artisan in Momostenango Guatemala. I love these colors! It reminds me of Autumn and I love Autumn.

This is actually a table runner I bought from a little lady in Panajachel, Guatemala (where Lake Atitlan is) It just reminded me of everything Guatemalan. These two beautiful pieces helped inspire me as to what colors I would paint most of the rooms in our home.

Well, if you have read all of that, I say thank you, and congratulate you. You now know more about me than I did 6 hours ago when I started typing this. I hope you enjoyed the beginning of the Wagner Home Tour

COMING SOON: the entryway, bathroom, and dining room!

The Hunt

So, many of you know I am currently been looking for work. I have been applying at a lot of places, and all the jobs I've found and applied for are full-time. I have recently made the decision (with the help of a supportive husband, family, good friends, and inspiration) that I really shouldn't try to take on a full-time job and a Master's Degree, and all the other responsibilities and activities I have. I have a syndrome of over-working myself, thinking, "Yes; I can do that; I can do it all." Then I do do it all, and sleep a whole lot less, and take care of myself less than I should. Well, I'm am going to put a stop to that! (Well I'll try at least.) So I am on the hunt for some part-time work that is in my field of study: teaching English to speakers of other languages, tutoring, adult literacy, etc. I would like to get paid of course. Even if my job only produces a small amount of money, anything helps. I'm also really liking the idea of working from home. So if you, or anyone you know have any leads, contacts, or ideas for me, please let me know. Thanks!

Hannah's Gettin' Hitched!

My older sister Hannah is getting married to Michael Dimond. It's official! They started dating a little over 6 months ago. We could all tell that Hannah was really happy, and so in love. My whole family met Michael twice before Seth and I did. When we finally met him, we definately approved.

They go well together. They have fun together, support each other, trust each other, and love each other. And Michael is prepared to take Hannah to be married in the temple, so we are very happy for her. And she is definately happy, twitterpated is a good word for it.

This is my favorite picture of them. She's so pretty, and Michael's not so bad himself.

Here is the bling. They picked it out together.

They'll be getting married in the Chicago temple close to the end of June. We are so excited. Congratulations Hannah and Michael!

Easter Egg Blues - and Backwards Day

I wanted to dye Easter Eggs, so on Saturday, Seth and I went grocery shopping, and I got an extra carton of eggs. But the store had no dying kits. So we went to CVS. They were out, but they had chocolate bunnies. So we went to Target. It looked like the Easter aisle had bee ransacked. But they had a transformers dye kit, and a sports one. We got the sports one, but they had no chocolate bunnies. My mom always got them for us on easter, and Seth wanted me to have one, so then we went to Walgreens. Lo and behold, right when we walked in we saw 20+ normal PAAS dying kits.... That was disappointing. They had tons of chocolate bunnies and easter items galore. That'll teach us for next time, go to Walgreens. We worked so hard that whole day, and we boiled the 12 extra eggs, and then I felt sick. So we didn't even dye them after all! How sad is that!? So now we have a dozen white hard boiled eggs. I guess I'll have to make eggs salad or something.

Well Easter was a wonderful day for us. I got so much out of church. Our Sunday School teacher had us all stand up, and said "Stay standing if you've read and prepared for the lesson." All but one person sat down. That really called me to repentance. We talked about how the Holy Spirit is the real teacher no matter who is called to speak or teach. The more spiritually prepared we are, the more we will be taught, comforted and edified at church, and in our daily scripture study. Seth and I made one of our famous apple pies, and went over to the Brimhall's (Seth's sister Angie's) for Easter dinner. The kids decided they wanted it to be backwards day, so we ate dinner backward, ending with the vegetables, and told the story of Christ's last week on Earth. That end with Him experiencing unspeakable agony and sorrow in the garden of Gethsemane, and the kids not wanting to eat their brocolli. Angie and Jeff did their best to make it a fun, educational and spiritual dinner, and I give props to them. But I don't think I will ever want to do Easter dinner, or the Easter story backwards again. There is a good reason dessert comes last, and an even better one that the glorified ressurected Christ comes at the end of the story. It is the best part! The happiest, most wonderful part! I like to have that part come last.

We got to talk to our mothers on Easter, and I thought about how much my family means to me. Because of Christ's great sacrifice, His atonement and resurrection, we all have the opportunity to live forever, eternally happy with our families. That is the very best news I know. It gives me a good reason to try my best every day. It gives this life a good reason for living. I am so grateful for the truth of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I know He lives, and He is directing His church. He loves all of us and wants us to be happy.

Spring! Spring! Spring!

Today was in the upper 60's! There are flowers blooming spontaneously, birds are singing, the air smells sweet, the sun shines! Hooray for April! (At least today). There are daffodils growing in our flower beds, just by themselves! I LOVE our house! It is so cute and cozy! I read my scriptures in a rocking chair on my beautiful porch, Seth and I ate Hawaiian Haystacks for dinner, outside for a picnic! (I say that voluntarily eating outside in any circumstance is a picnic. Seth disagrees because we used our card table and rocking chairs on our deck.) Then we played the Train Game outside! (Ticket to Ride), I won with 273 points. Brimhalls, watch out, because I am getting good at this game (maybe good enough to win against you guys!). Then we went on a walk around our beautiful neighborhood, holding hands. This is the life! What a great day. :)

Good News

It has been forever since my last post, I know. I have been travelling for over a month. It is so good to be home. While I was gone, I drove to Chicago twice, flew once. Flew to Utah, drove to Idaho, flew home, drove back to Utah, and flew home again, and I am here to stay, for a while! While I was in Chicago, I got to go to 2 of my little sister Martha's track meets. She is a shot putter. Right now, she is ranked 1st in the state for big high schools. At the first one, her name is on the wall for the best throw at that fieldhouse. At the meet she threw 43'2," so they are going to have to change the numbers. I also went to her MSL Conference. She won 1st, and no one was even within 2 feet of her throw. She has a full tuition scholarship to Illinois State University, and she'll go there in the fall. GREAT JOB MARTHA!

Well, during my trips, I didn't take any other pictures because I was very sick. At the end of February, I got this terrible virus (I'll spare you the details), and I was pretty much miserable for 5 weeks. I thought less about documenting my travels than I did hoping my head wouldn't explode and that I could sleep more than 3 hours a night. But now, I am getting better, and I am so grateful!

Now for my good news. I applied and was accepted into the Masters of Education in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) at Cleveland State University, and will start my masters program the first week of June. I am so excited! I want to focus on teaching (legal) adult immigrants English to help them to have more opportunities for success in our country, and so they can give back to it as well.

Seth took me out to Dewey's Pizza to celebrate. These are my new glasses. :) My hair is getting long again too! Yay! Now I am looking for a part-time job, and as many scholarship/grant opportunities I can find.

Vacation Tribulation

The Bahamas were really beautiful, although it was too windy and cold to swim. Seth even ventured to play some sand volley ball. What a trooper!

This is the only picture I will post of myself on our vacation. I was so seasick, I did not look well, and would rather not keep those memories forever, and this one was pretty dark and far away. I lost my make-up case and all its contents on our cruise. SAD! Now I am doomed to use my very very old back up stuff I don't like, but at least I didn't get sunburned, so I can be very glad of that.

I'm sure some of you are probably wondering how our vacation turned out. Well, as you can see from the title, it wasn't exactly what we expected it to be. Over a year ago, we 'won a free cruise' to the Bahamas from Ramada Plaza Resorts, and Imperial Majesty Cruise Lines. Well, to say the least more than a year later, when we went to use our vacation, it certainly wasn't free, and it ended up being quite a scam. I won't go into to many details, but as a recap we had to spend a third of our time listening to sales pitches, and it felt like another third was spent waiting in line for 'comped' buffet meals that were less than quality, our cruise line was over 50 years old, and light as a feather, our room that we had to upgrade and upgrade which cost a lot of money and grief was more like a low rate motel on terrible seas, than the Veranda Suite we were promised. We got lost a few times, we both were absolutely sea sick the entire cruise, throwing up, feeling like our heads were going to explode, barely being able to stand up and walk, etc. (I won't go on about that too much more, but I will say that the crew couldn't find enough housekeeping staff and cat litter to clean up the mess on board, with the terrible ocean we faced. Needless to say the Dining Room was practically empty the first night, and we sure didn't make it to dinner.) When we stopped in the Bahamas we paid for an excursion to a beach resort, but it was close to 65 degrees, very windy, and mostly cloudy most of the day. We couldn't swim, and were really too sea sick to do much else.

Ok, now that is over with, I will tell you about the good things about our trip. When I was on the ship the first night, After the losing of our lunches, Seth and I were laying in our bed trying to ignore the feeling of rising 15 ft. in the air and then descending over and over, I remembered looking out into that dark abiss of an ocean. It looked like a terrible monster waiting to swallow us up. I was amazed at it's power. I had never been on a boat on the ocean, or a sea. I got to experience first hand, a taste of what it could do if angered. As I laid there, I was reminded that the Lord created the ocean, and has complete control over it. I think the ocean can be compared to the Lord in a way. It is so vast, man cannot even comprehend it completely. It contains such deep mysteries, and beauties. It can be so helpful, taking you across miles and miles to your destination. When it is angered, it is indeed terrrible.

I also remembered the scripture about Christ from Mark 4 in the New Testament:

35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, aPeace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great bcalm.

40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so afearful? how is it that ye have no bfaith?

41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Jesus Christ is the master of earth and sea. All the elements obey His command. How is it that His children, most often do not obey? I want to do better to obey, and feel the peace, and calm He can bring to me as I follow.

I was touched by this feeling of how aware the Lord is of me, only one passenger, on one small ship in the deep vast ocean. I prayed many times, that if it were the Lord's will, that He would calm the sea. He did, and around midnight that night, I fell asleep.

Other great experiences we had on our trip. Throughout the many sales pitches we had to listen to, we got to know some of the people, and were able to share part of our faith with them.

Seth and I got to spend every minute of a whole week together. We had many deep conversations all about the US government, the welfare program, immigration, Pres. Obama, our life together so far, our future plans. It was nice to really talk.

We got to go to Universal Studios, and despite some lingering seasickness, we really enjoyed the Simpsons Ride, Shrek 4D, The Mummy (we rode that twice. it was the only roller coaster, and it was a very good one.)

My desire to eat did come back eventually, I renounced my vow never to set foot on a cruise ship again (as long as it is BIG and NEW!) My dizzy, lightheadedness did go away after about 5 days of being on land.

I learned a lot about myself on the trip. It just so happened that the only book I brought was called "Emily of Deep Valley," by Maud Hart Lovelace (one of my very favorite authors). Because of the sea sickness, and the bad weather we had, I had a lot of time to read. I ended up reading it 2 and a half times. I loved every page. I could really relate to my namesake character, and this book helped me figure out what I want to do now. I have some work to do, and preparations to make, but I will unfold my plan for the near future very soon.

The very last day of our trip had nice 75 degree weather with not too much wind. We went to a cool hotel resort called Gaylord Palms (for free! probably the only part of our trip that actually was.) We saw fish, and alligators in the atrium and beautiful plants and flowers. It was a really cool place.

I got a new jacket, bright red, and beautiful!, and some jeans that were very needed! Thanks Seth!

We got to drive our first rental car, a shiny new blue Ford Focus. That was the first new car I had ever driven. It was so powerful! Wow! I liked it a lot, almost as much as my red Miata (R.I.P). And we even got to enjoy XM radio with no commercials.

Seth and I didn't get to swim in FL because it was too cold and windy, but we did get to walk barefoot on the beach, hand in hand under the stars. That was wonderful. I learned more about Seth, and we grew closer on our trip, through the trials and all. I definately don't regret going. I learned and I grew, and I am better for it, and I think Seth is too.

It was so wonderful to come home. This trip made me realize how much I really love our house, Cleveland, our ward at church, our wonderful friends, living close to family, and just being able to come home with Seth is a blessing.

And now we will have a hilarious story to tell our children someday.