My Momma

I am a few days late on this, but this week my mom turned 55! I just want to throw out there how incredible she is. She taught us how to trust in the Lord. She is always willing to listen. She works really hard. She does soooo much for all of us and my dad. Her handyman skills are incredible. I would put her up against a few guys in the phone book.

Mostly I just love her. A lot!

Oh yeah, and she raised 12 incredible kids.

I hear #9 is the favorite though ;)

Here's to you: McDonalds

Smearing their image are the obvious use of trans fats, the debates of their not so obvious meat selections and the 2004 airing of "Super Size Me," McDonalds has taken global heat. I would like to recognize the small steps McDonalds is taking. Not only are they offering more healthy choices, they are working on portion control. Prior to Super Size Me the fruit n' yogurt parfaits were approximately 12 oz. In the face of rising obesity in Americans, McDonalds dropped the serving size down to about 9 oz.

In recent years, research and development improved packaging including a lid that also holds the spoon and granola. Never again will the 17 yr old high school drop out forget your granola! With this improvement, they also reduced the size to 7 oz. Now wasn't that thoughtful? I mean after all, those who aren't weight conscious have already ordered a Big Mac and Oreo McFlurry. This is really a step up for calorie counters! (And they kept the price the same so you wouldn't be tempted to by TWO for a dollar.)

I would really like to give credit to the minimum wage employee that made MY parfait today. She could tell I need to lose some weight. That girl went above and beyond. She scooped in 2 tablespoons of yogurt and a couple of strawberries and then iced the top with yogurt. I think she wanted me to know there was fruit in there. There was so little yogurt on top I could see all the fruit. Or maybe it was to prevent any unnecessary spills in my car that she only filled my 7 oz. cup half full.

ARISE AND SHOUT

The Cougars are out! These little boys absolutely love BYU. I promised last fall that we would do another pinata when all the cousins were together. We are missing a couple, but its as close as we will get for a while. Caleb gets SOO excited about this little tradition we are starting. He had a couple ideas for what we could make. He suggested that we make a Transformers pinata. I was a little shell shocked after that and I agreed to the BYU thing.

I asked Caleb what we should put in the pinata. He thought for a second and said, "popsicles!" I asked for clarification, and whelp, yea, that is what he wanted. I was trying so hard not to laugh!!

Experience of a Lifetime

One year ago today I was flying across the country on my MATS tour. It really was the most incredible experience I have ever had. I made some incredible friends, and I wouldn't change it for anything in the world!

Crutchie literally wore the bottom of his crutch. He even hiked a mountain with a broken leg (3 days after surgery)

Amanda looked away in an unreal number of pictures!!!

Jena... well her stories are hers. Oh but how I wish I could share!

Noelle-besides the time she was dangerously near an accident after eating the largest helping of broccoli I have ever seen, she was an absolute riot!

Tom wanted to re-instigate polygamy after touring Nauvoo, and he tried to save me from dogs.

I hit a stranger in the head with a frisbee and was banned from the game.

Oh the memories I have of that time....

A couple fellow travelers nearly made me crazy with their ramblings in the back of the bus, but I loved the people on that trip. I dream about it from time to time.