Holy cow! Look at what my son did yesterday in Switzerland!! How lucky and BRAVE is he?! I'll be honest, I've been so worried about him skydiving and I'm just glad it's over. WOW! I'm sooo proud of you, Conman! YOU WENT SKYDIVING!!! AHHHHH!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
The spookiest (and possibly the dumbest) post EVER!
The following is a true story. No names had to be changed to protect the innocent, as there were none.
(This may not be as funny to you as it was to us - but we roared.)
First, for effect, and to showcase my strong nerdlike tendencies, queue up the following music to add to the air of suspense.
{Redhoodoos donning her 'ghost story' voice}
Late Saturday night, around midnight or so, me, Todd, and Elora came home from seeing "Dark Knight". As a side note - the joker in this movie is a tad bit creepy. So, we were already a little bit special.
It had been hours since we had had our internet fix, so of course, we race to the computers, knocking things over that are in our way and not bothering to turn on any lights.
Todd and I were at the main computer looking something up - not sure what, and it doesn't really matter, because my fingers get a little thrill when they caress the keyboard - even if it's a site about Armenian clowns.
We were busy looking at something when we heard a noise.
Remember, it's midnight and we just saw a scary movie and the house is dark. I might be embellishing a bit - but I think there was lightning in the distance. Yeah, we'll say there was lightning.
So.
We heard a noise outside.
I thought it was the sprinklers and didn't mention it.
We heard it again. And again. And again.
Slowly, Todd and I look at each other.
We discuss the possibilities.
Me: It's the sprinklers.
Todd: No, they go off at 11.
Me: Hmm
Elora: Maybe it's the tree by our house.
Todd: We don't have a tree by our house.
Me: Hmmm.
Silence.
Todd: Well, let's go check it out.
2 thoughts jostled around in my head.
A) Why do we have to go check it out.
B) Why does my manly man want us to go with him to check it out? I'm not accusing Todd of being scared or anything. I'm just sayin'.
We crept out the back door to find the source of the very creepy sounding noise.
We huddled near each other like a mass of jello - any noise would have surely sent us jiggling!
Try to imagine three very grown (and hopefully rational) people practically glued to each other, creeping ever so silently to the side of the house.
In defense of my man - he was first in our little line.
We crept to the side of the house and found the source of the noise.
And we found......
THIS!
This is where the laughter began.
Turns out that the neighbors tent flew over their fence and was caught between our fence and our house.
The laughter continued and of course Todd said things like "Ha ha, you were so scared".
So, to really showcase my nerdlike tendencies - I asked my husband and daughter to re-enact the events that occurred that fateful Saturday night.
As you can clearly see, Todd thought it was a dumb idea.
But because he loves me, he obliged! Elora is just a sweetheart and can't say no!
(I can't look at this picture and NOT laugh my head off)!
So there's our very scary story.
Sorry I'm a nerd. Now you can go back to reading important and meaningful blogs.
(This may not be as funny to you as it was to us - but we roared.)
First, for effect, and to showcase my strong nerdlike tendencies, queue up the following music to add to the air of suspense.
{Redhoodoos donning her 'ghost story' voice}
Late Saturday night, around midnight or so, me, Todd, and Elora came home from seeing "Dark Knight". As a side note - the joker in this movie is a tad bit creepy. So, we were already a little bit special.
It had been hours since we had had our internet fix, so of course, we race to the computers, knocking things over that are in our way and not bothering to turn on any lights.
Todd and I were at the main computer looking something up - not sure what, and it doesn't really matter, because my fingers get a little thrill when they caress the keyboard - even if it's a site about Armenian clowns.
We were busy looking at something when we heard a noise.
Remember, it's midnight and we just saw a scary movie and the house is dark. I might be embellishing a bit - but I think there was lightning in the distance. Yeah, we'll say there was lightning.
So.
We heard a noise outside.
I thought it was the sprinklers and didn't mention it.
We heard it again. And again. And again.
Slowly, Todd and I look at each other.
We discuss the possibilities.
Me: It's the sprinklers.
Todd: No, they go off at 11.
Me: Hmm
Elora: Maybe it's the tree by our house.
Todd: We don't have a tree by our house.
Me: Hmmm.
Silence.
Todd: Well, let's go check it out.
2 thoughts jostled around in my head.
A) Why do we have to go check it out.
B) Why does my manly man want us to go with him to check it out? I'm not accusing Todd of being scared or anything. I'm just sayin'.
We crept out the back door to find the source of the very creepy sounding noise.
We huddled near each other like a mass of jello - any noise would have surely sent us jiggling!
Try to imagine three very grown (and hopefully rational) people practically glued to each other, creeping ever so silently to the side of the house.
In defense of my man - he was first in our little line.
We crept to the side of the house and found the source of the noise.
And we found......
THIS!
This is where the laughter began.
Turns out that the neighbors tent flew over their fence and was caught between our fence and our house.
The laughter continued and of course Todd said things like "Ha ha, you were so scared".
So, to really showcase my nerdlike tendencies - I asked my husband and daughter to re-enact the events that occurred that fateful Saturday night.
As you can clearly see, Todd thought it was a dumb idea.
But because he loves me, he obliged! Elora is just a sweetheart and can't say no!
(I can't look at this picture and NOT laugh my head off)!
So there's our very scary story.
Sorry I'm a nerd. Now you can go back to reading important and meaningful blogs.
So....
Todd and I are going here later this week for our 10th anniversary!
I'm pretty darn excited because I've never been! I have always wanted to go to the Grand Canyon but we've never made it. Besides looking over the rim - is there anything you can recommend? A great restaurant? A trip to Sedona or Flagstaff, perhaps?
Any ideas?
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Creature the superstar
My cute niece had a photo shoot with her daughter the other day. Click HERE to see the cutest little girl in the world. I may be a little biased. =)
I was bitterly jealous and decided I wanted to have my own photo shoot. Elora's at work. Connor's in Paris. Darren's in Russia. Larissa's at grandma's. Todd said "no".
Pfft.
So, I present "Creature" to you in all of his glory. (Baby Bear didn't want to play.)
He wanted this song played during the photo shoot. His favorite!
Here is a great shot showing his love of my plants.
Here he is trying to solve the world's problems (or possibly he spotted a bug).
His sultry pose.
Having a little lunch time snack. The posing must have tuckered him out.
He wouldn't wear the rhinestone boa I tried to wrap around him.
I don't get why my brother thinks I'll be a crazy cat lady when I grow up.
Brian - have I totally embarrassed myself here? Should I hang up blogging for good?
I was bitterly jealous and decided I wanted to have my own photo shoot. Elora's at work. Connor's in Paris. Darren's in Russia. Larissa's at grandma's. Todd said "no".
Pfft.
So, I present "Creature" to you in all of his glory. (Baby Bear didn't want to play.)
He wanted this song played during the photo shoot. His favorite!
Here is a great shot showing his love of my plants.
Here he is trying to solve the world's problems (or possibly he spotted a bug).
His sultry pose.
Having a little lunch time snack. The posing must have tuckered him out.
He wouldn't wear the rhinestone boa I tried to wrap around him.
I don't get why my brother thinks I'll be a crazy cat lady when I grow up.
Brian - have I totally embarrassed myself here? Should I hang up blogging for good?
Jan's Giveaway!
Check out Jan's Target giveaway. This is a good one!! She reached 300 posts and wants to share the love!
Jan rocks!
Jan rocks!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Joel Hills Johnson - Pioneer
Today is Pioneer Day in Utah. On this day in 1847, the first LDS pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley.My great-great-great grandfather, Joel Hills Johnson, traveled with another group of pioneers and entered the valley in 1848.
This is from his journal:
"We started from Winter Quarter in W. Richards company, on the 5th day of July for the place of our destination and after much fatigue, many hardships and difficulties, and the loss of one yoke of oxen, one heifer and twenty two sheep we arrived in the city of Great Salt Lake on the 19th day of October 1848. Having accomplished a journey of fifteen hundred miles from Knox County, Illinois to Great Salt Lake City."
And one of his many poems:
I prayed to God for faith and grace,
By night and day,
And means to leave that sickly place,
And speed away.
He heard my cry and said to me
Though sore oppressed
By cruel foes yet you shall see
A day of rest.
He blest my hands, I bought and sold
And every trade
He gave me thrice. So not with Gold
A fit out made.
I sped me then unto the west
To shun my foes.
And find a land that God had blest
Mid mountains snows.
My way was hard and rough 'tis true
Yet I possessed
Faith in my God and kept in view
A land of rest
I reached the land my heart desired
And thanked the Lord
That I so far from mobs retired
Could keep His work.
Joel Hills Johnson eventually made his home in Cannonville, near Bryce Canyon. It's no secret that I love the area of Bryce Canyon. I feel home when I am there. I'm sure this love is compounded by the fact that my ancestors roamed the valleys.
I hope I never forget their sacrifices.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Mosaic
This is a lot of fun! Give it a try. I shamelessly stole the idea from Julie's blog because I'm fresh out of blog ideas. Check out her mosaic. Thanks Julie~!
The mosaic:
1. Jodi 2. Pizza 3. Hillcrest High School 4. Salmon 5. Napoleon - duh! 6. Water 7. Macchu Picchu, Peru 8. Punkin Pie (mmm) 9. Wise 10. God and family 11. Curious 12. Redhoodoos (if I had a flickr account)
The Questions:
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One Word to describe you.
12. Your flickr name. (kid version: favorite animal?)
1. Jodi 2. Pizza 3. Hillcrest High School 4. Salmon 5. Napoleon - duh! 6. Water 7. Macchu Picchu, Peru 8. Punkin Pie (mmm) 9. Wise 10. God and family 11. Curious 12. Redhoodoos (if I had a flickr account)
Here is how you can play too:
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd's mosaic maker.
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd's mosaic maker.
The Questions:
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One Word to describe you.
12. Your flickr name. (kid version: favorite animal?)
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Where in the world is Connor? And a TAG!
My spunky son is roaming the globe for the next two weeks! I'm missing him something fierce.
Right now he's in England touring castles.
Thursday he'll see this.
Next week he'll SKYDIVE (!) over the Swiss Alps.
Right now he's in England touring castles.
Thursday he'll see this.
Next week he'll SKYDIVE (!) over the Swiss Alps.
He'll end his trip in Rome.
He's my world traveler, for sure!
Hey! I was tagged by the wonderful Jan! Go see her funny post about a phone call she received. I laughed and laughed!
I'm supposed to come up with six words that describe my life. This was not easy!
Here they are:
- Changing
- Abundant
- Busy
- Fun
- Faithful
- Learning
Now I tag 5 people - and this was not easy either! I want to tag all of you.
1. Miss Mattie 2. Comcewens 3. Mother Goose 4. Tammy 5. Kitchen Ditcher
I'm hopping over to your blogs right now to let you know you've been tagged.
Have a super day!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Discipline and Commitment
About 6 months ago, a bunch of us pledged to get into shape enough to run the Bryce Canyon Half Marathon held this past weekend. We had big plans that included making team t-shirts.
I had visions of us all crossing the finish line together - arms linked - while "Rocky" music played on the loud speaker. In my dream there would be tears of joy and a chorus of cheers "JODI! JODI! JODI!" as mobs swarmed to congratulate me.
Anyhoo - the big day came and guess how many of us ran the half?
Just my bro.
Since my new goal is to not beat myself up too badly, I will just say that I will try again next year.
(Sorry Bro, you're going to HATE this - but I'm going to brag on you for a minute.)
Brian started slowly working out last January. He wrote a hilarious post on my blog about making a lifestyle change (click here to read it). He thought he was overweight (I never thought so) and wanted to live his life with commitment and discipline.
He started going to a gym. Then he joined a running group. He ran a 5k and a 10k. All of this was in preparation for the Bryce Canyon Half Marathon.
I should say here that Brian HATES running. It has never been something that he enjoyed - which is all the more reason why he is so inspiring.
He also travels frequently with his job but still found time to fit exercise in.
Me and my bro at the finish line.
Brian's not much for praise and attention. He quietly goes through life accomplishing goals (he just purchased his first home this month) and pushing himself to succeed. I got emotional watching him run to the finish line. Sorry Rocky wasn't playing. It would have been playing if it was up to me!
Thanks Brian for being an inspiration to me. You always have been. You are absolutely incredible. Word to your mother. Peace out.
I had visions of us all crossing the finish line together - arms linked - while "Rocky" music played on the loud speaker. In my dream there would be tears of joy and a chorus of cheers "JODI! JODI! JODI!" as mobs swarmed to congratulate me.
Anyhoo - the big day came and guess how many of us ran the half?
Just my bro.
Since my new goal is to not beat myself up too badly, I will just say that I will try again next year.
My brother stuck to his goal and DID IT!
(Sorry Bro, you're going to HATE this - but I'm going to brag on you for a minute.)
Brian started slowly working out last January. He wrote a hilarious post on my blog about making a lifestyle change (click here to read it). He thought he was overweight (I never thought so) and wanted to live his life with commitment and discipline.
He started going to a gym. Then he joined a running group. He ran a 5k and a 10k. All of this was in preparation for the Bryce Canyon Half Marathon.
I should say here that Brian HATES running. It has never been something that he enjoyed - which is all the more reason why he is so inspiring.
He also travels frequently with his job but still found time to fit exercise in.
Me and my bro at the finish line.
Brian's not much for praise and attention. He quietly goes through life accomplishing goals (he just purchased his first home this month) and pushing himself to succeed. I got emotional watching him run to the finish line. Sorry Rocky wasn't playing. It would have been playing if it was up to me!
Thanks Brian for being an inspiration to me. You always have been. You are absolutely incredible. Word to your mother. Peace out.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Traveling with girls
Why teenage girls are so fun to travel with!
They are so flippin' funny!
They will pose for me.
"Jodi's Angels"
They accept my "Dare" challenges and eat gross food combinations.
Another gross food "double dog dare".
EVERYTHING is funny to them.
It's interesting to see what pictures they'll take when they get the camera.
They love animals.
They can eat ANYTHING and never gain a pound.
.JPG)
They love to make me laugh!
**Photos above posted by permission.
They are so flippin' funny!
They will pose for me.
"Jodi's Angels"
They accept my "Dare" challenges and eat gross food combinations.
Another gross food "double dog dare".
EVERYTHING is funny to them.
It's interesting to see what pictures they'll take when they get the camera.
They love animals.
They can eat ANYTHING and never gain a pound.
.JPG)
They love to make me laugh!
**Photos above posted by permission.
.JPG)
Friday, July 18, 2008
Elora - my idol
My cute and talented girl sang her heart out last night at our city's "Idol" competition! You should hear this girl sing! Wow.
I could never do this. Never ever ever! I'd rather have my toenails removed than sing in public.
She didn't make the final cut but she gave vocal coaches and previous winners that were in the competition a run for their money.
The judges told her she has a soothing voice, nice vocal tones and an innate musical sense. They told her they loved that she was enjoying herself!
She is seriously a sweetheart! GREAT JOB ELORA!! As always, I'm so very proud of you.
I could never do this. Never ever ever! I'd rather have my toenails removed than sing in public.
She didn't make the final cut but she gave vocal coaches and previous winners that were in the competition a run for their money.
The judges told her she has a soothing voice, nice vocal tones and an innate musical sense. They told her they loved that she was enjoying herself!
She is seriously a sweetheart! GREAT JOB ELORA!! As always, I'm so very proud of you.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
For Aunt Connie...
Aunt Connie - I found your kindred spirit! Click here to read Shaila's blog about her clocks. I thought of you.
My wonderful Aunt Connie has 1,410 clocks in her home. She and my Uncle Monte hate Daylight Savings Time!
I thought I had a picture of Aunt Connie and wanted to post it - but I can't find one in my collection. Darn! She would have been mad at me anyway. (hee hee).
Can't wait to see you and Uncle Monte this weekend - there will be some fun game-playing action!
My wonderful Aunt Connie has 1,410 clocks in her home. She and my Uncle Monte hate Daylight Savings Time!
I thought I had a picture of Aunt Connie and wanted to post it - but I can't find one in my collection. Darn! She would have been mad at me anyway. (hee hee).
Can't wait to see you and Uncle Monte this weekend - there will be some fun game-playing action!
Boredom
What do you do when you have a house full of bored people?
Who have eaten all the ice cream...
And played all the songs on guitar hero...
And visited all the sites on the internet (except the bad ones)...
You take them on a road trip!!
Remember to pack all of your favorite well-used games....
And hiking shoes...
And grab bags full of entertaining goodies...
(This tradition was started when they were little - but now they still want them!).
And you hope they have a wonderful time enjoying God's country - without all of the gadgets my teenagers can't seem to live without!
Have a wonderful and safe weekend everyone! Blog with you soon!
Who have eaten all the ice cream...
And played all the songs on guitar hero...
And visited all the sites on the internet (except the bad ones)...
You take them on a road trip!!
Remember to pack all of your favorite well-used games....
And hiking shoes...
And grab bags full of entertaining goodies...(This tradition was started when they were little - but now they still want them!).
And you hope they have a wonderful time enjoying God's country - without all of the gadgets my teenagers can't seem to live without!
Have a wonderful and safe weekend everyone! Blog with you soon!
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