Dios Bendiga Saint George

Wyatt tells me about the movie "Windows of Heaven" he used to watch with his investigators on his mission. He went to New York City Spanish speaking, so of course the movies they shared were in Espanol. The particular thing about this movie was that everything was spoken with the typical Spanish accent, except for "Saint George". It wasn't a subtle difference but rather a quite obvious one. So now, anytime we talk about Saint George, Wyatt repeats the line from the movie, "Dios Bendiga Saint George". Making sure he uses his thickest Spanish accent for the "Dios Bendiga" and an all true American accent for the "Saint George". Very silly, but something I love!


Finally I had my opportunity to visit Saint George. My friend Amie, a friend from my Chicago days, moved there with her family a little less than a year ago and invited me to visit. So I decided to take her up on here offer. Amie picked me up from the Vegas airport last Thursday night and we immediately went out to dinner at a close by Indian restaurant. I felt like it was very important that we had Indian food since it is one of her favorites and one cuisine I recently added to my personal favorites (for the longest time I never could understand why she enjoyed it so much... I have since seen the light). It's so nice to be in the company of a fellow foodie! After gorging ourselves with food, we rolled ourselves out the door and made the two-hour trek to Saint George. We didn't arrive until after midnight, so after I received the grand tour of their lovely home (and after Amie made a delish lemon dessert) I crashed into bed.

Friday morning I was greeted by the door knock of little fists pleaing with me to get up. What a pleasant surprise to open my door and see two of the cutest kids eager to meet me! The three of us round-up their older brother for a quick game of Candyland before breakfast and school. While the two boys were at school, Amie and I spent the morning tackling errands and shopping. It was fun to tag along with Amie since she is in the midst of growing her year food supply, so she was full of useful tips and information. It gave me a bit of encouragement to begin gathering my own "crops" for my own family supply.

Friday night the whole family (dad, mom, three kids and me) made the trek north to Cedar City to see the comedian Brian Regan at Southern Utah University. The crazy part about this mini-trip is that it was SNOWING! Which, surprisingly, I didn't mind. I guess since we never get it in Portland it was nice to see... even in April. We had Navajo tacos for dinner (one of my Carroll family favs) and enjoyed a wonderful evening laughing our heads off!

Saturday was a lovely day spent with Amie's husband's (Patrick) family - we had a delish French Toast breakfast, played some games, had a tasty lunch and even a small nap... Unfortunately, this is where my stomach started to take a turn for the worst and would give me grief for the next 24-hours. Lame. That's right, I found myself with a case of the stomach flu! Double lame! I felt terrible physically, but worse emotionally. Patrick and Amie worked their magic to create a world-class meal and I could barely enjoy it. I was so disappointed. I tried so very hard to psych my stomach up to "enjoy it or else" but in the end my stomach showed me who was boss as I made several trips to the bathroom. Did I mention authentic Korean food and homemade Samoa cookies was on the menu? I know! Luckily, my stomach simmered down in time for leftovers the next day. Phew! Though let me say, it was a sight to see Amie and Patrick working side by side cooking dinner. It was as if I was watching the Food Network.

Sunday presented us with beautiful weather so we spent a good portion of the day outside. I had a BLAST playing with the kids! On a side note, if I could bear five-year-old children, I would. (An unpleasant thought, I know). I just dig kids so much more than babies. They're far more interactive, funny, entertaining and fun! I was truly sad to part ways when it was time for me to return home. It was a fun trip! And I am very happy that I got to spend time with an old friend.

It's been so long since Amie and I have spent any in-person time together, I was wondering what it'd be like. But it was great! I admire Amie so much. She is one of the most compassionate people I know, constantly serving in the church, within her community and amongst her family and friends. She is an amazing mother and wife. She keeps an organized home, filled with the Spirit. And she has an unwavering testimony of the gospel. It was a pleasure to be able to spend the weekend with her! I think another trip is in order...

Missing These Guys...

Wyatt and I have been teaching in Primary together since we returned from Hawaii... and have been LOVING it! We were the lucky ones that got to move-up with our old class to their new CTR-5B class! These six little guys have become the highlight of each of my weeks. I am often excited to go to Primary on Sundays just so I can hang with these little dudes and dudettes. They say and do the funniest things! Wyatt and I are often laughing at their spunky little personalities.

Since it was conference yesterday, I didn't get my fix of five/six-year-olds. Sad. Today I'm missing them and counting down the days until we get to play together again...

This picture captures each of their individual personalities spot-on. So cute!

What do you do if you never went to Prom...

...attend your husband's dental school formal dance 12-years later. Complete with dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory with a group of friends and official dance pictures. I'm kicking myself that I didn't go as far as to purchase carnation corsages for the two of us. Snap!

(terrible picture of me...)

Though I can't say for certain, I think I enjoyed myself far more than I would've when I was in high-school. Really, I got to spend the night with my true love - embarrassing him with my unique dance moves - flailing arms and all. He loves it. Even when he begs me to stop, I know he really means to keep going. I think I also enjoyed the dig the night was on Prom in general. Kind of a silly event...

(Terrible picture of Wyatt. We can't seem to get it together.)

Meet Klaus

After weeks of patiently waiting, I was finally able to adopt the newest member of our family - Klaus.

I first met Klaus at TJ Maxx when my mom was in town visiting. It was she who introduced us. Rescuing him from the heap of winter accessories he was so carelessly tossed into. The moment I laid my eyes on him, I knew we were meant to be together. Even the classy lady, shopping close by, admitted we were a match made in heaven.

(bumming around downtown Seattle)

However, he was a high price to pay and I couldn't swallow the costly ticket to make him mine. I began listing the options in my mind, determining the most plausible solution to my plight. Of course! I would exercise my rights as a customer and use the 30-day return policy in my favor! Surely I could secure the funds I needed to make Klaus forever mine in thirty days.

(enjoying one of the twelve donuts Wyatt bought me for Valentine's Day)

That first night I brought Klaus home, Wyatt expressed his voice of concern. “Real fox fur?” he would say, “We live in Portland. Someone is surely to douse you with red paint.” I stifled his unease with sound reasoning. “It’s not like I bought Klaus at a fur store. I’m not perpetuating the demand. Instead, I am saving the fox’s dignity. It did not die in vain because I decided to purchase Klaus at a secondary store. Imagine had I not bought Klaus, he could very well end up on the next shipment to Africa. An unwanted item, forced to become a donation.”

“But 70-dollars?” was Wyatt’s next dispute. My rebuttal was simple, “I’m going to return him in thirty days.” Though Wyatt didn’t know it (but I’m sure was very aware of the possibility) that I had every intention to keep Klaus.

(exploring the Seattle Public Library as Wyatt maintains his usual heavy reading)

The days passed as I formulated a plan to rescue Klaus from bonds of TJ Maxx. First, I determined I would sell my shoes. Surely someone out there would want to purchase them. I listed them on eBay allowing fait (and the free market) to determine their value. Next, the most serendipitous thing happened. I was granted a 25-dollar Visa gift card from my work! The gift card alone would result in a 35-percent savings!

(so that is where Oregon is...)

I counted the days until the online auction would reveal my earnings. Finally, a $30 price tag was agreed upon. That meant an additional 43-percent savings! I knew that although Wyatt (or I for that matter) would not agree to a $70 fox fur hat, he couldn’t say no to a $15 fox fur hat. So, with Wyatt’s blessing, I made my way back to TJ Maxx to officially adopt Klaus. I returned him at the $70 value and immediately repurchased him using my $25 Visa gift card and $30 earnings from eBay. Finally the papers were signed and Klaus was mine forever!

And we lived happily ever after…

(don't tell Wyatt I posted this picture, he specifically told me not to)

Epilogue: I consider myself a very conservative person. I am of the bread that has a set value for each article of clothing I buy and refuse to purchase anything for more than my predetermined price. Jeans: $25 or less. Shoes: $20 or less. Shirts: $15 or less. So it is beyond me why I was so determined to purchase a hat for $70. It was very much uncharacteristic of me to become so impulsive. Really, I get buyers remorse when I purchase our weekly groceries!

However, it is the advice my mom has continued to give me over the years. The same advice my friend Phoebe continues to reinforce: “Sometimes you have to ask yourself, ‘will this bring me joy?’, and if the answer is ‘yes’, hold onto it forever.” You better believe Klaus, my fox fur hat, brings me joy! And I can guarantee he will be hugging my head tight for many years to come.

And for the record, Wyatt told me that he thinks I look very cute in my new hat! All is well in the Wilson home!

String of Events

There is more to my life than funeral planning. I'll prove it!

Two-weeks ago I received a phone call from my momma seeing if she could visit us for the weekend. Of course I said "yes!" and as a result we had a fun-filled weekend. Poor Wyatt had to study, so it was just Mom and me painting the town. Since it was an impromptu visit, we didn't have anything planned. I just dragged Mom around with me to run my errands. And we ate like we were in hog heaven! It was wonderful! Of course, the only picture I have to document her visit is the terrible self-taken shot at the temple.

We also went shopping at TJ Maxx where I met Klaus for the first time. (More about him to come later...) We also went to the fabric store and found a cute spandex print to make my latest swimsuit. Mom helped me design the pattern, which was a HUGE help since it's easier to do with four hands (especially when two of them aren't my own!) Thanks for your help Momma! I love you! Here is what the finished product looks like:

I was aiming for a retro 50's style. However, Wyatt informed me that it reminds him of a little girl's swimsuit. Humpf! Oh well. I'm still happy with the outcome. My only bit of frustration is that I made it a tad-bit too small. In the sense that if I gain more then five pounds it'll be too small. Waaa!

I finished my swimsuit just in time for Wyatt's family's annual adventure. This year his parents rented the entire local community swim center! Yay! I would share the picture of Wyatt and me together, but Wyatt requested that I not share a picture of him in his swim trunks on the world wide web. Instead, here is a picture of me on the rope swing...

Wyatt's family was also in town to celebrate his Gramma Beasley's 90th birthday! You read it, 90! Her kids planned a birthday party and invited anyone and everyone who knew Gramma. It was a wonderful celebration seeing all of the people and lives she's touched in her lifetime. I think the party made her week, month, year, and life! She was on Cloud 9 the entire afternoon! It also made me feel so lucky that even I have been able to be a part of Gramma's life. And most importantly, the influence that she has had in Wyatt's life. I know he is a better person because of her. We love you Gramma Beasley!

That pretty much sums-up the past two-weeks of my life. Not the most exciting two-weeks but pleasant none-the-less. And two-weeks I wouldn't want to trade for anything else!

The "F" Word

Yes, I know. I’ve been awfully quiet lately… Perhaps you’ve thought I’ve been up to no good (much like those suspiciously quiet kids you discover using finger nail polish to paint the bed skirt (true story about one of my nieces)). But alas, I indeed have been up to no good. But let’s not talk about that. Instead, I thought I might briefly shine some light on the aspect of my life that has been occupying much of my time these days... My new job.

Yes, that’s right! I have a new job! Though, I wonder if I can really call it “new” since I’ve been working at my current employer for two-months now. Perhaps I’ve been delaying my announcement to my bloggy readers since I didn’t actually know how to explain what I do. That is, until this week. My company just wrapped-up the semi-annual sales meeting that unveiled some exciting new developments. Before I share with you the flashy version summarizing what I do, I’ll give you the same shpeel I used to gloss over when I was asked the question, “what do you do?”

“I am part of the business development team for a life insurance company that specializes in policies specifically for funerals. In other words, I work for a funeral planning company.”

I even had one friend go as far to ask, “What exactly do you do to develop the business for a funeral planning company? Do they give you a shotgun and send you out to develop business?” (It was actually quite funny. I’m actually laughing right now as I type.)

I still do work in business development… But after this week, I’m going to refer all inquires here: whypreplan.org. (Quick note: this isn't the official website of my company, Lincoln Heritage. It's merely a resource for potential customers to learn more about pre-planning a funeral.)

You should check-it-out. There are a lot of fun, touching, well-done videos. Our marketing crew did a fantastic job! I think it’ll make it easier for people to discuss the “f-word”. And most importantly, help people to understand a little bit better about what I do.

Ta-ta for now!

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Cards of Christmas' Past: 2007, 2008, 2009

We've been busy making lists and checking them twice. Perhaps next year I'll catch my bloggy readers up on the Wilson happenings... Perhaps not.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!