It is 12:40 am, Wednesday morning. My husband is snoring in bed (where I would love to be) but alas there is a pressing matter holding my attention at this moment. Laundry. Yes, laundry. Why, you might ask, am I doing laundry at 12:40 in the morning? Well, tomorrow, we are headed down to Utah. And we, neither of us, have clean garments or socks or any other item of clothing for that matter. And why don't we have anything clean? Because our life has been INSANE lately. Seriously folks, I've basically been living out of a suitcase for the past 3 weeks; and it will continue to be that way through the 9th of May. Let me just give you a run down of the past couple of weeks and onto the next few.
April 2nd- Dallin throwing up violently, eventually landing us in the ER. Wonderful experience.
April 9th- Last day of school. So you can only imagine what went down between the puking and ER and finals week. It was joyous.
April 10th- Left Rexburg at 9:00 pm to drive home. Made it as far as Boise before collapsing in exhaustion at a hotel.
April 11th- Drove rest of the way home to Pasco, moved our stuff into our new apartment (and by moved in I mean shoved into the apartment in no particular order) Then drove to Ellensburg to be with Jeff and Valerie in their time of mourning.
April 12th- Easter
April 13th- Grandpa Calaway's funeral
April 14th- Drove Blaine, Hillary and Colton and Jill and Camdyn to SEA-TAC so they could all fly home then drove back to Pasco to finally try and settle into our apartment.
April 15th- Tax Day (luckily we had ours done weeks ago, so that wasn't stressful. . . whew!)
April 20th- Drove to Ellensburg to help Jeff out with a pipe project.
April 21st- Dallin, Devin and Bradley worked ALL day to finish the pipe project so that we could make it back to Pasco so we could pack and do laundry so that we can make it to Utah with more than just the clothes on our backs.
April 22nd- Drive to Provo
April 23rd- Marcus and Ashley Graduate from BYU!!! YES!! Congrats guys, you are so amazing and I am so proud of you. Such great examples to us young bucks. :)
April 24th- Marcus and Ashley graduate again! (This time in their respective departments)
April 26th- Drive home to Pasco
May 1st- Drive to Ellensburg so we can be ready to leave the next morning. . .
May 2nd- Drive to SEA-TAC so we can go to Florida and go to the HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH! (My first time ever going to any of the Disney's. Yes. I am so incredibly excited! Cannot wait.
May 9th- Leave the amazing Florida, Disney World and Blaine, Hill and Colton behind to come back to the real world.
So, that's my life right now. See how the whole living out of a suitcase applies here? But, aside from the complaints of suit case living, we have been able to see so much family and we are so excited to see more down in Utah and again in Florida! We are so blessed and we count our blessings. So, even though I sound a little bitter and I'm griping and complaining, I am really kind of enjoying it. But, I will be glad when the suitcases are put away and I can actually feel like this apartment is ours. And when that time comes around, of course, then we'll be packing to go back to school. . . oh joy. :)
We're finding joy in our journey, one day at a time, and loving every minute of it!
April 22, 2009
April 7, 2009
For The First Time Ever. . .
. . . I am hosting a giveaway! Are you excited?? I surely hope you are. I was recently visiting this lovely lady's blog and entered in her giveaway. The stipulations? I have to host a giveaway of my own. So, here are the rules and stipulations of this sweet giveaway.
The first 5 people to leave a comment on this blog will receive something made by me. However there are some limitations:
1. I make no guarantee that you will like what I make.
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It will be done this year.
4. You have not a clue what it is going to be; poetry, shoes, bags or a little invention of my own. I may even bake something and mail it you! Who knows? Not you that's for sure!
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange. It may blow your mind!
Here's the catch... if you choose to do this, you must post this on your blog and be ready to make something for five people too. This will be fun! And, when you receive the fabulous item I make you, you must post a picture of it on your blog. Or if you don't have a blog, send me a photo and I will post it! I am super excited, so comment away!!
The first 5 people to leave a comment on this blog will receive something made by me. However there are some limitations:
1. I make no guarantee that you will like what I make.
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It will be done this year.
4. You have not a clue what it is going to be; poetry, shoes, bags or a little invention of my own. I may even bake something and mail it you! Who knows? Not you that's for sure!
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange. It may blow your mind!
Here's the catch... if you choose to do this, you must post this on your blog and be ready to make something for five people too. This will be fun! And, when you receive the fabulous item I make you, you must post a picture of it on your blog. Or if you don't have a blog, send me a photo and I will post it! I am super excited, so comment away!!
April 6, 2009
I Love Research Papers!
I say that in all seriousness too. I love doing research. I love the fact that I can look up new information and educate myself on something that I was completely clueless about previously. What brought this up is because I am helping Dallin with a research paper he has to write for one of his upper level Ag classes.
There are a few reasons I am helping him out with this paper. First, he hates research papers. Loathes. Despises. Detests. Abhors. Get the picture? Second, he got terribly sick on Thursday. Couldn't keep anything down. Not even ice chips. It was so bad we finally had to take him to the ER for fear that he was getting dehydrated. And he was in a ton of pain. In a three day period, he probably slept around 48 hours. Yeah. 48 hours. It was bad. Poor guy. So, during those three days, I was scouring the internet, the BYU-Idaho Library Data Base and any intelligent scientific journaling website trying to find information. Third, I love research! :) (As stated above)
So, I am curious about peoples opinions on this subject we are researching. It seems to be a somewhat controversial topic, but I think that's just because people are uneducated about it. The topic we are researching is, the irradiation of foods. What is irradiation, you ask?
There are a few reasons I am helping him out with this paper. First, he hates research papers. Loathes. Despises. Detests. Abhors. Get the picture? Second, he got terribly sick on Thursday. Couldn't keep anything down. Not even ice chips. It was so bad we finally had to take him to the ER for fear that he was getting dehydrated. And he was in a ton of pain. In a three day period, he probably slept around 48 hours. Yeah. 48 hours. It was bad. Poor guy. So, during those three days, I was scouring the internet, the BYU-Idaho Library Data Base and any intelligent scientific journaling website trying to find information. Third, I love research! :) (As stated above)
So, I am curious about peoples opinions on this subject we are researching. It seems to be a somewhat controversial topic, but I think that's just because people are uneducated about it. The topic we are researching is, the irradiation of foods. What is irradiation, you ask?
"Food irradiation is a process in which food products are exposed to a controlled amount of radiant energy to kill harmful bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7, Campylo-bacter, and Salmonella. The process also can control insects and parasites, reduce spoilage, and inhibit ripening and sprouting."
-U.S. Food and Drug Administration
http://www.fda.gov/opacom/catalog/irradbro.html
-U.S. Food and Drug Administration
http://www.fda.gov/opacom/catalog/irradbro.html
So what do you think about it? Do you feel it's safe? Would you consume irradiated foods? Have you consumed irradiated foods? Would you feel safe feeding your children these products?
In my opinion, it's just one more measure the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) are taking to make sure we as American's have safe food to consume.
Did You Know: Food-borne infections cause about 76 million cases of illness, 325,000 hospitalizations, and as many as 5,000 deaths in the U.S. annually? In other words, one in 1,000 Americans are sent to the hospital each year because of food-borne illness. Sad, huh?
If you want more information about Irradiation, the GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) has created a fabulous information pamphlet about it. If you would like to check it out, just click here. (They also have some great pamphlets on Aspertame and High Fructose Corn Syrup, among other things.)
Over all, I have decided two things about Irradiation. One, there are a lot of misconceptions about it because people haven't had the chance to be educated on the subject. I commend the GMA for publishing that pamphlet, because I think that is a step in the right direction to get the American public in the know. And two, Irradiation is not the cure-all for food borne illness. It is merely another step producers can take to ensure the safety of their food. It doesn't mean they can be lazy in the steps previous though. Sanitation should be top priority throughout the whole process and irradiation the icing on the cake, just in case something happens to leak through.
And that, ladies and gents, is why I love research papers. I learn all about these new ideas and principles and policies. Who doesn't love expanding their mind?? In the Doctrine and Covenants section 130:19 19, "And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come." What an awesome promise. I need to be more diligent in my personal studies and continue to further my personal education.
One day I will have to share my research paper on marriage and courtship customs in ancient Egypt with you. Super interesting!
In my opinion, it's just one more measure the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) are taking to make sure we as American's have safe food to consume.
Did You Know: Food-borne infections cause about 76 million cases of illness, 325,000 hospitalizations, and as many as 5,000 deaths in the U.S. annually? In other words, one in 1,000 Americans are sent to the hospital each year because of food-borne illness. Sad, huh?
If you want more information about Irradiation, the GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) has created a fabulous information pamphlet about it. If you would like to check it out, just click here. (They also have some great pamphlets on Aspertame and High Fructose Corn Syrup, among other things.)
Over all, I have decided two things about Irradiation. One, there are a lot of misconceptions about it because people haven't had the chance to be educated on the subject. I commend the GMA for publishing that pamphlet, because I think that is a step in the right direction to get the American public in the know. And two, Irradiation is not the cure-all for food borne illness. It is merely another step producers can take to ensure the safety of their food. It doesn't mean they can be lazy in the steps previous though. Sanitation should be top priority throughout the whole process and irradiation the icing on the cake, just in case something happens to leak through.
And that, ladies and gents, is why I love research papers. I learn all about these new ideas and principles and policies. Who doesn't love expanding their mind?? In the Doctrine and Covenants section 130:19 19, "And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come." What an awesome promise. I need to be more diligent in my personal studies and continue to further my personal education.
One day I will have to share my research paper on marriage and courtship customs in ancient Egypt with you. Super interesting!
April 2, 2009
Happy Birthday Wishes
It has been insane, as far as birthday's go, for the last few weeks. First Hillary, then Janelle, then Devin, then Dallin, and now we have my Dad and Tara! But don't worry, it doesn't end there. Bradley isn't far behind. But, first of all, I want make honorable mention of my Dad and Tara, since their birthdays were yesterday and today.
My Dad was born on April 1, 1947 to the proud parents Laura Leona Henry and William Arthur Henry Sr. (or Art as everyone called him) He has two brothers, Gary and Richard and he is the youngest. He grew up attending the Catholic church. He loved to ski (and still does) and won a few ski competitions as he was growing up. In high school, he participated in Basketball and Track and Field and ended up attending WSU where ran Track and Field. Upon graduating with his teaching degree, he faced a big decision in his life- try out for the summer olympics in the Long Jump or try out for the winter olympics in skiing? (Such a dilemma I would love to have set in front of me. :)) He chose the sumer olympics and made it to the 1968 Olympic trials, where he jumped against Bob Beamon, current world record holder in the men's long jump.
After the Olympic trials he started teaching at Pasco High School where he met Carolyn Mathews, a very cute cheerleader. :) The day after she graduated, they happened to run into one another and the rest, they say, is history. They were married on September 23, 1972. They managed a ski shop at Crystal mountain for about 5 years and then eventually moved back to the Tri-Cities to help my mom's brother in law with a new business venture. Meanwhile, my mom had had the distinct impression that she needed to share the gospel with my dad. He went through a good number of sister missionaries until finally, one day, he accepted everything they taught and set the date to be baptized. He was baptized on July 24, 1980 and then they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Seattle temple on July 28, 1981. Rachel, Nathan and Tara were all alive at the time.
Now, 6 kids, 6 kids-in-law, and 12 grandkids later, he has a successful business, a beautiful home, the gospel of Jesus Christ and 25 people who absolutely adore him. He runs or bikes almost everyday, collects golf balls, is in a bishopric, tells the corniest jokes and is an amazing example. My dad is my hero. He always has been and always will be. His faith and testimony are such a strength to me and I am grateful for him. I am truly blessed to be the daughter of this amazing man.
And now on to the Birthday girl! Tara Michelle Cobia. Mother of 3 adorable little boys and one beautiful, sweet, little girl, and wife of an awesome man. I have been told that Tara and I have the most similar personalities out of all our family members. I would venture to say that is probably pretty accurate. We can talk for hours and hash out details like it's nobody's business. But, I think Tara is a far better person than I am. She is totally selfless, accepts all she meets and is no respector of persons. She and David are the best examples to me of Christ-Like love. And they are so on track concerning the gospel. Whenever David goes on a business trip, they select certain articles out of the Ensign that they both read on their own, and then they call each other and discuss them over the course of his trip. When I first caught wind of that I thought, "wow, I have such a long ways to go before I get to be that good." But, to add on to all of that, Tara is an amazing dancer, amazing mother, amazing friend and is instantly loved by all. I am so grateful to her for all she has done for me; from letting me sleep with her every night when I was little, to talking me through difficult times as a teenager emerging into adulthood. I love her so much and admire her in every way. I hope that I can be half the woman she is. If I am, I'll feel like I'm doin somethin right! :)
My Dad was born on April 1, 1947 to the proud parents Laura Leona Henry and William Arthur Henry Sr. (or Art as everyone called him) He has two brothers, Gary and Richard and he is the youngest. He grew up attending the Catholic church. He loved to ski (and still does) and won a few ski competitions as he was growing up. In high school, he participated in Basketball and Track and Field and ended up attending WSU where ran Track and Field. Upon graduating with his teaching degree, he faced a big decision in his life- try out for the summer olympics in the Long Jump or try out for the winter olympics in skiing? (Such a dilemma I would love to have set in front of me. :)) He chose the sumer olympics and made it to the 1968 Olympic trials, where he jumped against Bob Beamon, current world record holder in the men's long jump.
After the Olympic trials he started teaching at Pasco High School where he met Carolyn Mathews, a very cute cheerleader. :) The day after she graduated, they happened to run into one another and the rest, they say, is history. They were married on September 23, 1972. They managed a ski shop at Crystal mountain for about 5 years and then eventually moved back to the Tri-Cities to help my mom's brother in law with a new business venture. Meanwhile, my mom had had the distinct impression that she needed to share the gospel with my dad. He went through a good number of sister missionaries until finally, one day, he accepted everything they taught and set the date to be baptized. He was baptized on July 24, 1980 and then they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Seattle temple on July 28, 1981. Rachel, Nathan and Tara were all alive at the time.
Now, 6 kids, 6 kids-in-law, and 12 grandkids later, he has a successful business, a beautiful home, the gospel of Jesus Christ and 25 people who absolutely adore him. He runs or bikes almost everyday, collects golf balls, is in a bishopric, tells the corniest jokes and is an amazing example. My dad is my hero. He always has been and always will be. His faith and testimony are such a strength to me and I am grateful for him. I am truly blessed to be the daughter of this amazing man.
And now on to the Birthday girl! Tara Michelle Cobia. Mother of 3 adorable little boys and one beautiful, sweet, little girl, and wife of an awesome man. I have been told that Tara and I have the most similar personalities out of all our family members. I would venture to say that is probably pretty accurate. We can talk for hours and hash out details like it's nobody's business. But, I think Tara is a far better person than I am. She is totally selfless, accepts all she meets and is no respector of persons. She and David are the best examples to me of Christ-Like love. And they are so on track concerning the gospel. Whenever David goes on a business trip, they select certain articles out of the Ensign that they both read on their own, and then they call each other and discuss them over the course of his trip. When I first caught wind of that I thought, "wow, I have such a long ways to go before I get to be that good." But, to add on to all of that, Tara is an amazing dancer, amazing mother, amazing friend and is instantly loved by all. I am so grateful to her for all she has done for me; from letting me sleep with her every night when I was little, to talking me through difficult times as a teenager emerging into adulthood. I love her so much and admire her in every way. I hope that I can be half the woman she is. If I am, I'll feel like I'm doin somethin right! :)
Happy Birthday to both of you!! I miss you and love you!!!! See ya next Friday! :)
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