Scout - Our New Edition

Seth and I have been talking about getting a pet since Christmas time, and we decided that a kitten would best fit our lifestyle. And, really I just need a little friend while I'm home by myself during the day. We went to the Cleveland Animal Protection League, a nice shelter in Cleveland, and found Annie. an adorable 4 month old domestic short hair mix. She was the last one of her litter, and it seemed like she really just wanted someone to love her.

So we picked her out, they put her in an animal carrier, which was really more like a box with some air holes in it. The shelter was only 20 minutes from our house, but the highway ramp was blocked, and the detour was terrible, and we ended up driving around downtown for almost an hour with a crazed kitten on our hands. It was really my fault. I am a sap for meowing it seems, and I let her out of the box so I could hold her. Bad idea! She just hated the moving car. Then after about 15 minutes of struggle, I finally got her back in the box, and she meowed and scratched even harder! It was somewhat terrifying to watch all those needle like claws frantically trying to tear apart all the air holes.


But when when the car stopped, she got all still, and we set the box in the living room for a minute and let her out. She lept out of the box, purring enthusiastically and became the most friendly, curious, happy furry thing, I have ever seen. Our house was immediatly her playground.


Annie, just didn't seem like it should be her name. We tried Daisy out, and that didn't stick either. Then I thought of Boo, (from Monsters Inc.) which made Seth think of Scout, from "To Kill A Mockingbird." It was perfect! She is definately a Scout. She is so much like the curious little girl in that story, so that will be her name.

We really need to find a way for her to start liking to scratch her scratching post instead of the furniture. If anyone has any suggestions. We could sure use some help! But she has a great time chasing things like imaginary things, her tail, hair ties, bottle caps, and string. And I can already tell she has a knack for getting into mischief. This morning while I was eating breakfast, she kept on jumping onto the table, I kept putting her on the ground, and then she did it again, and held onto the placemat knocking all my milk onto herself, me, the table, my scriptures, the chair and the floor. She seemed pretty happy lapping the milk up off the floor. We'll have to work on that.

Last night we watch a movie, and she cuddled up with us on the couch, and took a nap while purring loudly the whole time. But then when we wanted to go to bed, she wanted to play. We'll have to figure this one out. It seems as though I am going to have my own furry little alarm clock. She meowed, and meowed, so I let her in our room, and she proceded to walk all over my head, chasing every movement of my sheets, my hair, and everything else. But when I sit down on the big lounge chair for a while, she comes over to the big brown fuzzy blanket she loves, and the following is her routine.

Scout has been purring ever since she got into the house. Seth thought her purr box might break if she keeps going like she is. It seems like she is really happy to be with us, and we are happy to have her.

Still going

Well, I don't have the time to post pictures but, I figured it would be good to try and keep posting at least once a week. I would just like to thank all of you who commented on my last post, and all posts. I can't tell you how happy it makes me! I appreciate all of you who check my blog, and it just makes my day when you leave a comment.

First of all, Seth and I had a nice long weekend. We got to go down to Columbus, and attend the temple, stay with my Aunts Laura and Candi, and visit my Grandparents. My Grandpa gave us the rundown about a lot of my ancestors, and gave us pedigree charts, and pictures, and articles to help me get started on my family history for that side. It was fascinating to me. It turns out that all of the ancestors from my Father's side lived in Cleveland after they came to America! Crazy, huh! I have felt a connection to Cleveland, and I like it here. It turns out that I have ancestors buried in cemetaries just a few minutes away from our home. I am very excited to learn more about them.
We had a lot of fun with Laura and Candi playing the Wii Fit. I think it is a wonderful program, and we are considering investing in it because it will help us excercize, together even, and have fun doing it. We are very comepetative, and the Wii fit games helps to push us because we want to beat each other. We also had a Euker marathon Tournament between me and Laura against Seth and Candi. Laura and I won almost every game, and it seems we have developed quite the rivalry.

This isn't related to anything, but I really like this song. It helps calm me down, and it is very peaceful. It's by Brooke Fraser, called, "The Thief."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LxVh9WPiJI

Seth and I have been having the most terrible troubles with Alltel, our former cell phone provider. We have been tricked and swindled by them. They have taken advantage of us, and I have never felt more used by a company in my life! I will add more details later when we get further into our fight for redress, but until then, I urge anyone not to sign with such an uncaring, and fraudulent company.

I have been practising the piano just about every day now for 45 min. to an hour. I have really enjoyed it, and teaching myself hasn't been too bad. The 9 years of playing the cello, and singing in the choir most of my life has really helped me to know enough to read the notes, and it's just a matter of practice. I really have the motivation to practice, that I didn't have when I was 9. I want music to be a big part of my family now like it was when I was growing up. I want to play the piano, and have all the kids, and Seth gather around to sing hym ns, and Christmas songs. I have a lot of work to do, but I am really making progress. I can now play (well enough to have people sing along) 25 songs in the simple hymn book. It is a great book to get me started.

It amazes me at how our economy, and even our country has taken a terrible turn downhill in such a short amount of time. There are companies failing, cheating, laying off all employees. The stock market is to say the least, not doing well at all. One year ago, I never could have believed that all this would happen. But listening to President Obama's inaugural address really inspired me. I don't support some of his policies, and don't agree with all of his tactics, but he sure is a good speaker, and I hope that he can help unite us as one nation under God. I hope that all the words from his address (whether he wrote it, or not) will come true as we work together as a people for a better world. I know that the only way we can do that is with the Lord's help, and I pray for it every day. If you haven't seen the address. You should watch it. Follow the link below to watch the 20 minute address.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjnygQ02aW4

Happy New Year!

Well, I know it has been forever, and ever since I've posted. I guess I've been a little discouraged because I don't thing more than 2 people actually reads my blog when I do post. But, I guess there are other reasons to blog. But as an update, we are doing just fine here. We had a lovely time with our family for the holidays. Seth's job is going well, and we think his job is pretty safe. I have finally found a really good doctor for once, and I think that my health is going to start getting better in the near future. So that is something to really look forward too. We are going to go kitten shopping when we get the house done, so that is a great incentive! I'm really excited about it. We are getting really close do being done painting our house, we are on the trim, and doors. Once I get the painting done, I am going to start posting long awaited pics of the house, and the holidays, etc. So stay posted. More blogging coming soon!

"Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family." - President Thomas S. Monson

Some of you may know that my Dad had a heart attack this week. It was scary, and we didn't know what was going to happen. Thankfully, he only needed 2 metal stints, instead of another openheart surgery. He is home now, resting, and we think everything will be ok.

I got to thinking a lot this week about life, how short it is, and how unexpected things always happen. You never konw how long you have, or how long the people around you have. I talked to my Dad on the phone when things were still very uncertain. We were all worried, but had faith that no matter what happened, things would be ok because we are an eternal family. When I spoke to my Dad, he said, "I love you Emily. I really love you. You have a special place in my heart. You always have." He said it like it might be the last time we spoke to each other. That really shook me up, and I remember the countless times I have just rattled off, "ok, love you, bye." at the end of conversations with my loved ones. This experience has helped me to realize the importance of everyday, and every opportunity to spend with my loved ones. And it helped me to ponder the blessing of the knowledge that I will see my family again no matter how long they are here, or I am here. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In my religion, we believe in the Plan of Salvation, or the Plan of Happiness. The Lord has given us this plan so we can return back to Him, with our families and live with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ by participating in certain ordinances and covenants, and by living by them our whole life. We make those promises in our temples, and they are the most sacred places on earth to us because God dwells there. I know for sure that my family can be together forever if we do our best, and live the way we have promised to live. Families are what is most important. In the last General Conference of the church, our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson counseled us to live everyday as if it were our last.

"This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and non-existent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now.

My brothers and sisters, there is no tomorrow to remember if we don’t do something today.

Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. Wrote William Shakespeare, “They do not love that do not show their love.”3 We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us.

Send that note to the friend you’ve been neglecting; give your child a hug; give your parents a hug; say “I love you” more; always express your thanks. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. Friends move away, children grow up, loved ones pass on. It’s so easy to take others for granted, until that day when they’re gone from our lives and we are left with feelings of “what if” and “if only.” Said author Harriet Beecher Stowe, “The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.”4

How simple, yet profound are these words. It is apparent to me that whoever the prophet is, in that time, he knows just what we need to hear, and gives us true and applicable counsel. I am going to take this counsel and use it in my life. I don't want to live another today counting on another tomorrow, collecting empty yesterdays. I want my family and friends to know how much I care about them. Life would be empty without them. My loved ones are what bring to me the joy that fills my life.

An Unexpected Occurance

Well, I haven't blogged in forever. I can't find my camera cord in my mess of a house, and have been really busy the last few weeks unpacking, furnishing and remodling our house. I am learning a lot, and enjoying the break from school and work. Last night, Seth and I were preping the kitchen to be primed. We heard a ton of sirens, and saw flashing lights, and out our window we saw 4 fire trucks and 2 ambulances in front of our house. The neighbors' 2 doors down house was on fire. From our porch we could see smoke billowing from the windows, and the firemen climbing the huge truck ladder to take people out of the house. They were there for a long time. We don't know those neighbors yet, but we prayed for them. We want to do something to help, but we don't know what we even could do. If any of you have gone through a fire experience, I would love some suggestions on what we could do that would help the most. I got to thinking about the inportance of preventing and being prepared for emergencies like that. I thought about how we don't have a family emergency plan to evactuate, and how a lot of things about our house need to be changed to make it safer. I am going to make sure Seth and I talk about it, and make a plan. So I would encourage all of you to think about that, and prepare yourselves and families as well.

VIVA! - One great rock show CAN change the world!

This Tuesday Seth and I got to got to the Coldplay concert at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, or the Q, as they call it. It was the best concert I've ever been too in my life! They have been my favorite band for 6 years, and I have been waiting that whole time to see them in concert. I now have decided that, unless it's on Sunday, there is no way I will miss another tour. I wish I could follow them on the road, it was so amazing! Seth even loved it so much, he came home the next day and said, "I am going through Coldplay concert withdrawls."

This was about where we were in the crowd. Not quite in the back, in the first section from the floor. I thought we were going to be closer, but I didn't care. I was just so happy to be there.

This is us waiting with anxious anticipation for the show to start. The opener was a girl from the UK named "Duffy." First of all, what kind of a name is that? Almost as bad as 'Buffy.' She is supposed to have the number one spot on the charts in England, so I suppose that is why she is touring with the best band in the world. The sound was so loud you could harldy make out what she was saying, but even if it were good, I think it was awful. We didn't like her at all. Seth said "Not only did we have to pay so much for these tickets, but we have to endure this to see them?" Well, even thought it was pretty awful, it was well worth it!

Overpriced Coldplay shirt: $30...

Second overpriced Coldplay shirt: $30...Sheer joy from going to a concert of the best band in the world; PRICELESS.

In the middle of the concert, I just thought we should take a picture of our utter happiness. This is my biggest smile.

This video is the beginning of the concert. They picked a great song to start. It just built up and up until everyone was going crazy. The second song is called "Violet Hill;" the chorus says "If you love me, won't you let me know." At the end he gets all quiet, and sings that a'capella twice, but he sang instead, "If you love me, won't you let me know. We're so happy to be in Ohio!" The crowd went wild! Unfortunately this video cuts off right before he says it, but it's still a great song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIKQkJTT1G8&feature=related

Will Champion, the drummer of the best band in the world.This person had a great seat, and got some way good footage. These are small parts of a lot of songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbv1ptQDZfo&NR=1

Chris Martin, the lead singer in the best band in the world. He is so talented, he plays a ton of different instrument, writes his music. He's an amazing performer....wow. I just can't say enough about how amazing of a musician he is.

During the concert, they finished a song, and then Chris Martin said, we'll see you in about 30 seconds. We thought they were tired and needed a break or something, Then they appeared near the back of the stands with their guitars, and said "Ha! We fooled you! You thought we were just takin' a break or something. We just thought we would come to the back and give the people in the front a rest from looking at all these ugly musicians." We were about 30 feet from them, we couldn't see too well because there was a row of people in the way that were making me very aggravated, but here's a video of one of the songs they did from the back (with a few audience members singing along, somewhat poorly...) Here are some pictures of them in the singing in the crowd.

Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of Guy Berryman. He is on the right. He is the bassist of the best band in the world.

This one is from further back, but got some really funny comments from Chris Martin during the show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGqBxUMviwM

Johnny Buckland, lead guitarist in the best band in the world.

It was so clever, He changed some of his lyrics during the concert to fit us. It was so cool. This is one of the changes he made.

These are the original lyrics: Give me one 'cause one is best In confusion, confidence Give me peace of mind and trust Don't forget the rest us Give me strength, reserve control Give me heart and give me soul Wounds that heal and cracks that fix Tell me your own politik.

This is the change he made:

Give me one, cuz one is best,

In confusion, confidence,

Give me peace of mind, and wait!

Give me a concert in the Buckeye state!

Give me strength, reserve control,

Give me the right result in the presidential poll!

Wounds that heal, and cracks that fix,

Give me an audience just like this!

This video is of the song "Lovers in Japan." The sound isn't perfect, but it shows the cool video and special effets they had.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjdTAYpVIg0

Chris Martin kept saying what a great audience we were, and he said "We really didn't expect you to have such good form on a Tuesday night. It was true. It was such a fun crowd. But really, it was such a good crowd because we were watching Coldplay of course. It just doesn't get any better than that.

This video is a good overview of the whole show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKQxD5Fbfms

I would just like to say I love Youtube! If you wanted to, you could pretty much watch the whole concert if you just looked up "Coldplay Viva la Vida Tour Cleveland", which I may or may not have done already...

Yellow was the encore.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsz-EeNZBkI

This is a song called "See you soon." It is one of my very favorites. I am bummed that they didn't play it, but I figure, might as well attach it to my blog as a bonus track.

The best band in the world takes a bow...

And two very happy fans went home after a rock show that changed the world.

Go Buckeyes!!

So Seth and I had a 3 day weekend, and we decided to go down to Columbus to visit family. We went down to Upper Arlington to see my Aunt Diane, Uncle Scott and my cousin Joshua. We had lunch with them, and they gave us a graduation present of 40 yard line tickets in the A section! Those were amazing seats! Thanks Aunt Diane and Uncle Scott!

It was so fun to see the team come out on the field. Both my parents, and my aunts and uncles, and grandparents went to Ohio State, so I was pretty much raised as a Buckeye.

The crowd just went crazy when they came in! Thankfully we were in a section with old people on most sides of us, so no one got too crazy, and the only drunk people we saw were on the bus.

The marching band was amazing! They were just like an army.

The band made a P for Purdue. That was cool. But then when the team ran out, almost all the 100,000 fans boo-ed really loud. That was disappointing. Not exactly good sportsmanship....

I just loved the band. I am sure my mom would have loved it. They did the Ohio script. This is the Ohio script upside down. Pretty much everything was upside down because we were on the other side.

Here's Seth, a Buckeye too. He's converted, and now he's really part of the Shepard family.

It was cool, they had the big O's on both sides of the stadium full of student cheerers. They started all the stands going O!-H!-I!-O! and they started the wave. It was really cool.

During half time, the band did a tribute to TV Land. they did formations of all the shows, the Simpsons, Family Guy, Happy Days, Gilagan's Island - They formed a boat and curbed it up on the side of an island, Star Trek - They made the ship and a planet that changed into an M for Michigan and then shot lasers at it, and they all broke up; It was so cool. If you can't tell, I loved the band!

The first quarter of the game was very exciting. The Buckeyes intercepted, and ran the ball back for a defensive touchdown. Then nothing happened offensively for the rest of the game; a couple field goals, and that was it. The whole time I was hoping Purdue would score so OSU would try harder. The most exciting thing that happened in the second half was that after we bought a $4 bottle of water, we found out that we could get ice water in cups for free! which we did because it was 80 degrees outside!

We got to see my Grandpa and Grandma Pat at church. It will be nice to be able to visit more often. Then my Aunt Laura threw a barbeque and we got to spend a nice evening outside on their porch with a view of the pond in the back with a fountain. And we roasted marshmallows and made s'mores, and then we watched some videos of Guatemala.

This is my Aunt Linda and my cousin Christine.

This is my Aunt Diane, and cousin Josh.These are my Aunts Candi and Laura. We got to stay with them for the weekend. We had a great time visiting and playing Wii. Seth beat everyone in everything, and got 175 at hoopshot!

This is Laura and one of their dogs, Patch. Patch is my favorite dog, I think. She's so good!
Yesterday, Candi and Laura took us to Graeter's, and icecream place they have in Columbus that has AMAZING icecream! It is super good! I am sure we will go there every time we go down to Columbus.


We got to visit my Grandma Shepard too. We didn't get pictures of her, but we got to have a nice visit before she had hand surgery on Monday. The surgery went well, and I'm glad. All in all, we had a great trip!