Random Spot #16

I love Christmas. Even Salt Lake City loves Christmas. I thought this was a splendid Christmas gift from the city to the people!!

Random Thought #15

I don't know what to think anymore! Eric told me the other day that our apartment is no more up at DT. I've been having emotional detachment problems as it is, so I decided that I don't even want to see it, and I'll just remember it the way it always was. But now I'm having nightmares every night about DT! There these emotional dreams all about my apartment and how I can't leave it, and I love it just the way it is. Should I just go see the destruction? Will that get me over my dreams? If we were still there would I be in utter bliss? Or would I just complain about the cramped space, lack of kitchen and toy room, and major earthquake hazard that it is? Who gets so attached to a building anyway?

Random Spot #15

The important part of this picture is the little red box you see sticking out from behind that cement column. The funny part of this picture is the Bed, Bath and Beyond in the background. The little red box is a kitty litter box--not only a litter box, but one that was recently frequented. Although some may argue it comes from the "Bath" portion of the aforementioned store, I'm thinkin' it's most likely from the "Beyond" part. Perhaps we are aiming for an America with not only an outhouse and Starbucks on every corner, but also a home away from home for your traveling cat.

Random Thought #14

What about egg nog? I think it's a fine holiday beverage--but in moderation. In fact, I've been taking a miniature poll lately, and everyone I've talked to seems to either despise egg nog, or can only have bits of it. So what is it about egg nog that screams Christmas? Is it just one of those fruit cake kind of traditions that no one can let go of? I think perhaps that it's best drunk in moderation as well as sold in the stores throughout the year in moderation. Either way, it stills brings me happy holiday cheer.

Random Spot #14

This is the original grinding stone from the Prov Saw and Grist Mill. It's random becasue it is in the middle of the sidewalk that goes down Bulldog Rd. right in front of L&L and Dominoe's. What's even funnier is that if you'll notice on the description plaque, the actual location for the mill isn't this location. Why not put this stone there? I'm sure plenty of people always wonder what on earth this spot is all about.

Random Thought #13

I think Viana is adorable, and the way that her brain operates amazes me. I just asked her who she wanted to invite to her birthday party next Friday. This is the list (in order) that she recited to me...

1.Lucy 2.Lori 3.Wes 4.Blaine 5.Benjamin 6.Vicky 7.Paul 8.Viana
9.Daddy 10.Baby Brooke 11.Momma 12.Belly Button 13.Face
14.Nose 15.Krista 16.Avery 17.Russ 18.Christmas 19.Jamie
20.LaDon 21.Baby Jesus 22.Couch 23.Nemo 24.Meemaw
25.Summer 26.Grandbill 27.Joseph 28.Taylor 29.Anne

Don't be offended if your name isn't on the list. I have ultimate invite power. But if anyone knows how to get in contact with Nemo so we can invite him, or if you know how to properly invite a couch or a belly button to a party, please let me know!

Random Spot #13

This business on Freedom in Provo cracks me up! Buffo's Termite and Pest Control. Two things to note here. First of all, don't you love the graphic design? What a great little pest control guy and what an even greater dead bug! Hilarious! Secondly, I love that Buffo recognized the true potential of his name. With a name like Buffo you've gotta start a pest control business. Can you imagin Buffo and DeVry, attorneys at law? Or how 'bout a dentist appointment with Dr. Buffo? Me either. But Buffo's Terminte and Pest Control, now that is both comfortable and fitting. Go ahead, say it outloud, it will roll of your tongue with ease. Go ahead, try it.

Random Spot #12

It's not every day that you can walk into your local grocery store (that's right, Ream's isn't just a place for eggs and butter) and see a player organ, or two.

Random Thought #12

Here's what I'm thinking. In my 4 years as a college student, I went home for thanksgiving twice on the Saturday before that magical feasting day. That means I missed out on two days of classes. That means 50% of the time I ditched that Monday and Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving. And, I can guarantee I was not in a small minority of students who did that. And, since BYU has Friday instruction on Tuesday, and probably 78% of students have less or no class on Friday, then there is really only 1 day of real class this week. But, what teacher likes to put in a lot of effort into a lesson, knowing that a good chunk of students will be gone anyway?? And, if there was no class this week, that would give students 9 days of travel, which means a lot more students could and would go home. And aren't we all about promoting healthy families? So, I propose that from now on, university holiday is ALL WEEK!!

Random Spot #11

This is the sign that signifies to me "Turn here to get to Eric's school." You may think it would be easily confused with the hundreds of gas stations on corners. But how many gas stations can you yell out, "POP! TREATS! WORMS!" to as you pass it? I just love small Utah towns!

Random Spot #10

Harris Hearing Aid Shop on Center, I think this is an interesting spot. I would never imagine putting in 3 huge stuffed bears in the display window of my hearing aid shop, but hey, when business gets tough, the tough...go hunting?? I think it's even more interesting that the bears aren't even faced out toward the sidewalk. I should go into the store and see what their purpose is.

Random Thought #11

I never believe the age recommendations on toys. Sure it may say 3+, but my daughter is special and brilliant. She'll have a ball with this toy. But you know what? Any toy I've ever gotten her that was "too advanced for her" was most enjoyed by her once she became the recommended age. And the toys we have that are still above her age level she can't handle yet. For example, we have this sweet little pop-up tent house that is for 3+. But really now, Viana could figure out how to sit inside a little house, right? But sure enough, she gets really frustrated with it, and always freaks out, and we have to put it away within minutes of getting it out. Gospel Principle? Of course. I am thinking most heavily about dating, but it can apply to many stages and advancements in our life. When the prophets counsel to not date until 16, and not steady date until post-mission/ready for marriage, they KNOW what they are talking about. No matter how special or brilliant one may think he or she is, the age recommendation is still accurate and applies.

Random Thought #10

I love football. Oh man I love football. If I could, I would wake up at 6am on Saturdays, start with some good college gameday excitement, and watch games non-stop until midnight. I would pick the good games, the ones with a lot at risk. I LOVE top 25 upsets (as long as it's not one of teams). I hate thrid down conversions (unless they're from my team). I LOVE safetys...no matter what team gets it! I LOVE sacs+penalties for a 4th and 32. I hate having to say to Viana, "No, we're not going to watch Ariel, we're watching the football game." But then I love it when she says, "Uh-oh football game!" to every tackle. Oh man, okay, this must end, beacsue Florida is rockin' South Carolina.

Random Spot #9

First off, I'm not sure if Dariy Queen was hiring, or if they still are hiring. Either way, does this mean that they were looking for the most recent insane asylum escapees? Or perhaps are they on the market for the world's best looking chef, they just ran out of the right letters? Or maybe, someone went a little crazy with the Hot Cocoa, and even then, is Cocoa really that good of an employee to say "we're hiring?" Or did they learn that none of those options would really be hot eats, or cool treats, so that is why they "were hiring?" Good old Dairy Queen on Canyon, keepin' us on our toes, they treat us right!

Random Thought #9

The other night when I was sitting on the couch in Viana's dark bedroom waiting for her to fall asleep in her bed (she'll have it no other way, well, unless you're just holding her, which is the obvious preference in her mind, but not so much in ours as we try to teach her independce) I heard the sweetest thing. From her bed came this angelic voice, "Holdcher han?" I ignored her, thinking she wanted to fold her hands together or something. Then again, "Holdcher han?" I stayed quite hoping she would forget whatever addendum she had in her mind and just fall asleep. Then one more time, "Holdcher han, Momma?" It was so cute, I peeked over the couch and she was laying on her back with her arm outstretched toward the couch just waiting for me to hold her hand. With a melted heart I held her hand, and within seconds, she let go, rolled over and was fast asleep. Heavenly Father can't always carry us through life, like Viana would normally have us hold her to sleep, but if we're willing to try things on our own, he will always hold our hand, we just need to ask.

Random Spot #8

This may not be so random if I told you it was at the entrance to the zoo. But what if I told you this is in the middle of a housing cul-de-sac? Granted, the houses in this cul-de-sac are some of those HUGE houses up on Y mountain north east of the temple, but sure enough, this huge Moose stands erected in the middle of a neighborhood.

Random Spot #7

My good friend Brynn Burke sent me this picture. This road is located in West Linn, Orgeon by Brynn's House. How cool is it to share a name with a road?

Random Thought #8

"Mississippi spelled with an 'o' instead of an 'i' would be Mossossoppo."
-A Day with Wilbur Robinson by William Joyce

Random Spot #6

I couldn't help it--it's a lone car in the middle of a huge field, normally used for playing flag football and ultimate frisbee. I should have gotten a better angle to really emphasize the awkward out-of-place feel that this car gave off.

Random Thought #7

When your laundry measures 4 feet and 2 inches tall (really, I measured it with my best friend tape measurer)--you really know that it's time to do laundry. Here I go...Number one requirement for my next house in life?? My very own washer and dryer!

Random Spot #5

Today for our Sunday drive we went out to Saratoga Springs. On our way back through Lehi Eric spotted this little gem off of the main drag through town.

That's right, it is a water slide that leaves the building at the top, and then re-enters the building at the bottom. At least that's we we figured it to be. And the plaque right there in the foreground of the picture signifies a Olympic torch relay location from the SLC 2002 games!

Random Thought #6

Every Sunday I have the privilege of interpretting for Airiel Denter in Young Women's. She is a beautiful and amazing person, and I'm so thankful for the opportunity I have to use my ASL skills. If there is ever a Sunday where one or both of us is not there, I feel a void in my life for that whole week until I get to see her again! She is such a great example to me. Today she was not in church. Although I was very sad, it worked out perfectly. Viana had a cough so she didn't go to nursery, and Eric was teaching so I also had Brooke. The three of us got to go to Relief Society. Although I love my moments with Airiel in Young Women's, I also love the sisterhood in Relief Society. I think church should be 4 hours long. Just for me though, and not for everyone. Then I could go to Young Women's and Relief Society every week. Talk about a spiritual Feast!

Random Spot #4

There I was, driving down Main Street in Payson, UT. I come to a stop light and look out my window and what do I see?

A live bait vending machine. Wow. You don't see one of those on every corner! Do I need to describe Payson, UT? Nope, this picture is definitely worth 1,000 words.

Random Thought #5

I've been thinking about the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland. I've discovered that his character represents a moral very similar to this Aesop's fable. As the white rabbit hurries through Wonderland, he keeps happening onto situations that involve other characters. In every instance he succumbs to that characters pressures. He may not want to burn his house down, but under the do-dos recommendation, he helps him build up the kindling pile. At the tea party, he doesn't want the mad-hatter to fix his watch, but soon enough is passing the jelly that will be slathered into his watch. What does all of this unwanted conforming do to the white rabbit? It makes him late. If we, in life, conform to all the pressures around us, even when we know we shouldn't, or do not want to, I believe that it will only make us late. Late fo what? Perhaps this scripture (vs. 1-13) will answer that question.

Random Spot #3

Here I am in Istanbul. Oh wait, did I say Istanbul? Because I meant to say Spanish Fork, Utah! This is the Krishna Lotus Temple. It's very random. A beautiful religous building in the middle of desert farmland. One of these days I'm going to tour it. Until then, I'll admire its beauty from afar!

Random Thought #4

Today we went to Barnes and Nobles. While there Viana and I read Brown Bear, Brown Bear. You know how it goes..."Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see? I see a red bird looking at me. Red bird, red bird, what do you see?" Etc, etc, etc. Very easy book for a child to learn to repeat. Viana caught on quite quickly and enjoyed "reading" this book. Well, tonight we were reading scriptures, and she had pulled out our picture book of Jesus Christ. Pretty soon I hear her chanting, "Jesus, Jesus, what ta to du see?" Then she would turn the page. "Jesus, Jesus, what ta to du see?" (It was a picture book of Jesus, so there wasn't a lot of variance!) It was so cute. It just made me think about how attentive little children are to every detail of the day. I need to make sure that I am teaching Viana correct principles, and even more importantly being a good example to her.

Random Spot #2

Here is a dollar five store that cracks me up!

Honk's used to be just your average dollar store. Back then their awesome motto was "Always an adventure...Always a dollar!" Whenever we drove by we would read this out loud and laugh! Then one day we drove by and Honks had become the $1.05 store. Not wanting to get an entirely new motto, the just shortened the old one.

Ah man, I just love how you can still see where they ripped off the "a dollar" part. I guess Honk's didn't really grasp the meaning of the word 'always.' I'm skeptical even now about it being "Always an adventure...Always!"

Random Spot #1

This little structure has always dazzled me. It's located on State Street in the parking lot of Bona Brazil (talk about yummy!). The random thing about what I assume is a sno-cone type shack is, I've never seen it used. It just hangs out in the parking lot there to make people smile. Too bad there's not a For Sale sign hanging on it--I could totally look into an investment like that!

Random Thought #3

Today Viana asked for her first father's blessing. Earlier in the day her beloved Aunt Charina had come over and had sat in our computer chair while Eric laid his hands on her head to give her a blessing. Viana sat with her arms folded patiently through the whole thing. She only began to say "Amen!" "Amen!" "Amen!" near the end of the blessing when Eric was about to wrap up anyway. Several hours passed and it was Viana's bedtime (that's been sort of a shady area lately, and one that has not come with ease). We had just started reading our scriptures and Viana insisted on sitting in the computer chair. Then she got down and started pulling Eric off the couch and telling him "Chair!" He tried to sit down, but she got frustrated and said, "No Daddy, Nana chair!" The she stood behind the chair and put her hand on top of the backrest, "Daddy like this." So, Eric stood up and went behind the chair. She quickly scrambled up onto the chair to where Eric had been sitting and folded her arms. It was then that Eric realized what she wanted. "Do you want a blessing like Aunt Charina?" Her arms stay folded. "Ok, Daddy will put his hands on your head." Her eyes closed as Eric laid his hands on her head. Then, Eric utterd the simplest, yet sweetest father's blessing to our beautiful little daughter. She was blessed to sleep well, and to remember how to fall asleep on her own. It wasn't but 5 minutes later that Viana was tucked in and fast asleep in her very own big girl bed. I thought, "Wow, now there is a little girl with awesome examples to follow (Aunt Charina), an awesome father (Eric), and an even more loving and all knowing Father in Heaven."

Random Thought #2

Today Viana, Brooke and I sat at a round table for lunch with our friend's Lori and Lucy. Did I mention that we chose a round table that already had 3 freshman boys sitting at it? I thought it was funny that during our lunches, the boys talked about their new Netflix subscription and about how their preference dates had been this past weekend, all the while enjoying every scrap of their lunch. Lori and I on the other hand, tried to convince our toddlers to eat their lunch and stay in their chairs and act like big girls and be nice to each other, etc. etc. etc. I can't really remember, but I think I snuck some food in amidst all of that! But who needs to enjoy food when you can enjoy being a mother?

Random Thought #1

Sometimes in life it's ok to eat 14 Halloween cookies in 1 day. Like around Halloween. That's an ok time to do it. And when you begin to feel guilty you can just rationalize and say, "But hey, Halloween only comes once a year...no biggie"