Priceless

We are not very good photographers, but here are a few photos of some of our Christmas activities.
Preston and Ben had to team up to try and beat Janet at NBA Live. They still lost.

The boys had some bonding time cutting down a tree in our backyard and chopping it into firewood.
Some people never grow up. (Make sure you click on this picture to get the full effect.)

Other highlights of the trip include...dominating the Scoresby Scamper; discovering Country Inn & Suites (I borrowed Riding the Bus With My Sister from the one we stayed at in Lincoln. I'm not sure when we'll be traveling again, so I might have to return it to the one closest to here, which is in West Jordan); doing the Jillian Michaels Complete Shape Up-Back with Sas; watching the boys cut down trees and shovel snow; eating lots of scrumptious food; playing Encore Deluxe; and seeing Ben every morning at breakfast, where I took my daily dose of Zaditor.

I Hate Wyoming

Well, it was another exciting trip home for Christmas. You haven't really lived until you've driven across the country in December. Every year is an adventure; just ask Mom, who starts checking the road reports about a week before we leave and doesn't stop (or sleep, I believe) until we are safely arrived, or Ben, Joanna, and Sarah who have made the trip with me in previous years. In years past we have experienced blizzards at 3:00 in the morning on I-71, fog so thick we couldn't see more than about 20 feet in front of us, having to scrape the windows inside the car because it kept fogging up, and much more. This year, however, tops them all. I've never been too fond of Wyoming, but our travels through it this year have solidified forever my hatred of the state (no offense to any of my readers who may hail from the Cowboy state--it is not you I dislike, just your place of residence). I won't go into too much detail here, but suffice it to say that Wyoming provided me with some of the scariest and most frustrating moments of my traveling career and I found myself wondering at times if I would make it back to write this post. But, lest you form too harsh an opinion of Wyoming too quickly, we also experienced very bad weather and extremely poor driving conditions in Utah, Iowa, and Wisconsin. You start to wonder if you're not a little bit crazy when you see probably 40 cars--including semis on their sides--slid off the road in ditches within a 30-40 mile radius of Des Moines and just keep on driving. And there's nothing like looking for a hotel in Chippewa Falls at 2:00 in the morning in a foot of snow. We made lots of memories.

On a brighter side, I grew fonder of Nebraska on this trip. No, it hasn't gotten any more exciting, but somehow, the roads were completely clear as soon as we crossed the state line and they stayed that way until we hit Iowa. The same was true going the other direction-- completely clear roads all the way across, but when we hit the Wyoming state line--boom, snow covered roads. Nebraska provided us a much needed break from the stress of winter driving.

And now for my annual vow: I will not drive across the country between November and March ever again. Don't worry fellow family members, we still love you and we look forward to spending Christmases with all of you (Scoresbys and Franzens) in the future, but you can count on us coming by plane.

I Love Literacy

I have been thinking lately about how much literacy affects our lives. In one of my classes they had us make a list of all the times in a day we use literacy. From the minute we wake up knowing how to interpret the numbers on the clock, we are constantly reading. We read cereal boxes, road signs, the National Enquirer at the checkout stand, and if you're like me, the labels on all your shampoo bottles in the shower. Imagine living without knowing how to read. You couldn't even make it through the drive-thru (I guess most of them have pictures, but you have to at least be able to recognize it as a #5). Imagine going shopping with only a few dollars to spend on a nice new shirt. You would never know that the shirt you wanted to buy was an additional 10% off after already reduced clearance prices. In short, literacy enriches our lives in so many ways. I think of some people I met on my mission who couldn't read and how sad it was. They were wonderful people and still had happy lives, but it seemed like they couldn't progress past a certain point. Think of how it would be to go to church and not be able to sing the hymns because you can't read them--or worse, to be asked to read in Sunday School and have to say no because you literally can't. I am always amazed at how well-versed the General Authorities are in literature. I love it when they quote Wordsworth or Dickens or read letters other people wrote to them. I was impressed over Thanksgiving as we were helping Preston's nephew Josh with his Eagle project serving dinner to homeless people that a lot of the homeless people were sitting around reading novels. Since I have been without regular work for most of this year, I have had a lot of time to read books and I feel that they have made me much more well-rounded and understanding of the world. I've learned about African history, Chinese culture, different experiences of American peoples, and opened my mind to new ideas which have made me think and appreciate and understand better. I often feel that the characters in books are my best friends. For example, I recently read Peace Like a River by Leif Enger and although the main character and narrator is an 11-year old boy, I related to him on many different levels--living with asthma, growing up in the Midwest, saying and doing stupid things. I also related to his sister, who spouted off poetry like no other and read voraciously. I just love literacy. If I haven't convinced you to read more yet, read or listen to this talk by Elder Callister at a BYU devotional last year: http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=11394

If I am ever called as the literacy specialist in Relief Society, I will have a heyday with it. I can just see myself forming book clubs, organizing read-a-thons, teaching grammar lessons, passing out ABC flash cards for mothers to use with their toddlers, and encouraging them to read out loud to them. However, until that happens, my challenge for YOU is to pick up a book over the holiday break and get lost in it. Or, make a New Year's Resolution to read more books in 2008. I promise, it's much more fulfilling than watching TV (even Biggest Loser). Happy reading!

Taking Time

So this morning I only had 4 pages to read for my Argentina class, and no other homework. So I took some time to sit and watch Mitt Romney speak at Texas A&M. I don't know what my opinion was of the speech. I guess I am slightly impressed, though I do not believe he addressed much of the concern that is following his campaign. I truly felt that his speech could have been given by any of the candidates. I might have been impressed, but not all that much. However I did appreciate that he said that he would was a Mormon, and if he would lose the election because of that fact, so be it. He is willing to defend religion within his own home even at the cost of an election.

Romney has been accused of wavering in regards to what he supports as a candidate. Video clips from his 1994 Senate run have surfaced which show him saying things that he does not believe in now. I believe that his opinions have changed depending on the office he was campaigning for and the constituency he needed to rally to get elected to that office. What this signifies to me is that he is willing to compromise in order to make progress. In fact, to demonstrate that point, he made a couple of key compromises in Massachusetts to create progress within that state. The compromises could have been considered as abandoning fiscal conservatives, but I believe Washington needs more negotiating and compromising than the current polemic system which is dividing the nation more and more. We cannot continue this debacle of majorities continuing to silence minorities if our country is to lift itself from the economic struggles it is currently having.

So do I feel that Romney is a better candidate than the other "Christian Conservative," Mike Huckabee? I believe that I do. Huckabee has done exceptionally well in some recent debates, though the questions he has answered that have motivated me have all been religion question, which have little impact his position as a candidate for the President of the United States (Also, those were softballs for him to hit out of the park. He has a degree in Theology for goodness sake).

I have long been impressed (even before he started running for President) with Huckabee's motivation to lose weight (he used to be enormous). He has run several marathons (the INC New York Marathon last year) and is an excellent icon of an American regaining control of his personal shortcomings. Many Americans can learn from his personal motivations. We hear over and over (Last night on the Nightly News - that Americans are getting fatter and fatter). Although it is good for motivating good health in the country, it does not really help the important issue of the country.

Many Americans also need Huckabee's understanding. Huckabee seems to me to be more socially concerned than Romney. He has "endorsed" several bills that can be interpreted to support illegal immigration. He says he's against illegal immigration, that something needs to be done. But I like the bills that he has "endorsed," I don't believe shutting the door and giving amnesty is the best answer to that situation. I think we should rather give our support to this cheaper labor so that we can encourage prosperity in Ameican. So that we can keep American companies in America.

Face it, I bet most of these illegals are not coming here just to work and move back to where they came. They want opportunities for themselves and for their children. They are here to stay. So the money that they make will eventually be helping America's economy, and they and their posterity will be Americans. And if we are to build a border, we are going to be sinking billions of dollars to keep good people our of our country. We are going to be hurting other children of God.

Letting the in also makes it so that we have more labor. With illegals in our country, we can once again compete with India and China with our labor force. Maybe we could allow immigrant to work for a reduced minimum wage for a certain amount of years before they become full citizens or something to that effect.

I really like Huckabee's social stances and if it were based just on a good personality, I'd vote him in. But Chuck Norris also has a great personality, but that doesn't make him a great candidate.

Romney for me does bring a key element that I believe our country needs. And because of this element, of his training and character, he is the best candidate. Romney, as opposed to Huckabee, has brought failures into success consistently. He was an excellent Mormon missionary, he helped convert many people in France, where most missionaries were content with only a few converts. In school he succeeded at BYU (top of his class) and graduated with dual graduate degrees (an MBA and and JD) from Harvard. As a businessman, he helped Bed, Bath and Beyond into prosperity, he worked with Bains Co and made himself hundreds of millions in personal profits, and he saved the Salt Lake Olympic Games. As Governor, the question of his religion hardly ever came into play, and he was an excellent governor for the State of Massachusetts (the Red Sox won the World Series and the Patriots won the Superbowl while he was governor, isn't that enough of a reason). I believe that his personality as a Chief Executive Officer, will help our faltering country's economy when he becomes Executive in Chief. He has said numerous times that he does not know all the details of how he will deal some minute details of the presidency, but he will surround himself with the best informants who will give him valuable advise and from analysis and conclusions he will make those decisions. I trust a man with such a strong background of success and turnaround.

Mike Huckabee in comparison lacks another valuable element: Funds. He is not wealthy enough to challenge the top democrats in the national spotlight, where Romney is able to with his personal funds.

Although, he is very moral, very sociable Huckabee faces another obstacle. The fact that the current president is running off of morals and charisma. What have we learned? That American cannot be run on good jokes and a strong background in politics.

Plain and simple Huckabee doesn't stand a chance against Hillary. Whereas Romney is extraordinarily smart, and proven in ways that Hillary is not. Romney is the Republicans only chance at keeping Hillary out of the Oval Office.

Budget Decorating 101

Wanting to make our house festive, yet being on a limited budget proved a welcome challenge. Here are some examples of what we came up with.
Our very first Nativity. Thanks Mom. I added the holly leaves--they came from the dollar store.

If you were to guess that I paid six or seven or ten dollars for this door decoration, you would be wrong. It cost a grand total of $1.05 (plus tax) at Honks. Now, I know it might not make it on the Today Show, but you have to admit it's cute.
This one's my favorite. My own Christmas book basket. The basket was given to us recently as a wedding gift. The books have come as gifts from various people or are gems that I found at DI. I added the bows.

So, the secret to cheap holiday decorating? Dollar stores. They have a lot of trash, but if you have a keen eye, you can find many treasures

Scrapes, biking and other fall things

All right, so Emily has pretty much taken control of this Franzen Frame thing. So it's about time I start catching up. I did pretty well on the LSAT--I got a 156, which is about 50% for BYU test takers and about 64% overall which I think is pretty good considering the type of people who are also taking the test. I am to the part where I start sending personal statements to all of the schools I want to apply to, and I also pay them lots of money just to review my application (the application fees). Emily and I have decided to apply to Georgia, Emory, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Maine, and Oklahoma (they waived my application fee). I personally favor going to Wisconsin for several reasons.

1. They are ranked #13 in the nation concerning education and let's face it, we go to school to do what? That's right, get educated.
2. The state of Wisconsin is one of two states that allows the graduates from their more prestigious law schools to start practicing nearly immediately after graduation. I do not have to pass the Wisconsin bar if Emily and I decide to practice in Wisconsin.
3. They have the best clinical program that I have seen around. As a student I will have the opportunity to basically start practicing while I am in school. These clinics are designed to have people who cannot afford their own counsel the opportunity to have counsel. It will be a great opportunity for me to hopefully use that Spanish.
4. Wisconsin is a lot like New Hampshire, and I really miss New England.
5. Madison is gorgeous, it appears to be like a peninsula into a lake, which will be great for having someplace to go to get away from the books.
6. The school also has a close relationship with the state government, which will allow me the opportunity to intern as a clerk over the summers.
7. The school overall is highly ranked, usually somewhere in the top 35 law schools across the nation.
8. Wisconsin Law is supposedly a very liberal school, so this might serve well to balance the undergraduate degree that I will get from BYU, which is supposedly a very conservative school. (Although my dad is already scared that I am starting to sway a little too far to the left)
9. Football
10. I am nearly guaranteed to be able to apply for in-state tuition my second year if Emily is working as a teacher.
11. And finally and probably most important of all, the proximity to family is a major consideration for me personally. If Emily and I end up starting our family while we are at law school, our short commute to Mosinee might be all our kids need to boost them up to the top positions in the favorite grandchildren standings.

I know it's kind of disgusting, but I want to make a point that running is not for the faint of heart. This is a tough sport. Not only strenuous but it also can make its mark on you physically. I did this dandy while running in the early morning and I started thinking more about what would be going on in my day rather than the edge of the asphalt. And you all of you who were wondering, yes I did keep running afterward. I was like 4 miles from home so that was the quickest way to get back to work on the wound.




My costume: Um, I don't know what I was, but it certainly doesn't look good. Really what happened was that Emily let me purchase a helmet and lights for my bike so I can ride to work. This is a picture of what I might look like out on the road in the very near future. My boss and a couple of the employees all ride their bikes up to work. It's kind of the in thing to do now that we've seen that Al Gore movie, and noticed the increase in fuel costs. If you notice I have my old chemistry protective goggles on. I thought I would never have another reason to wear them, but they are going to pay off I think because they have clear lenses. Those lenses will be better than in the early morning than wearing the colored ski goggles that I own. I am adamantly pro-seeing the road.





This last photo is a picture of all the Utah Franzens that I know. Emily, myself, Jessica, Emily (the little one), Jude, and my brother Paul. Emily, the little one, has attended at least one BYU game every season she has been alive. And I guess that goes for Jude as well. BYU beat Colorado State by a lot.

Farewell October

Enjoy these pictures of some of our late October activities














Ours is the "boo" pumpkin.










Why yes, I did make this pie.

Gone, but not forgotten

Ode to Paco










One day in the Spring of 2001
Because of a deal that I had won
Dad went out to look for a car
That I could drive both near and far

When there on the side of Route 95
Was the perfect car for me to drive
It shone like the sun with a neat shade of beige
I knew I would soon be all the rage

Dad purchased that car and it became mine
Only once did it ever receive a fine
When Joanna had a minor collision
As the result of a bad driving decision

That car and I the highways did roam
To Utah, Idaho, out West, and back home
It spent a short time under Benjamin's care
And left traces of venison and little deer's hair

'Twas a good little car, though it had its days
When repairs were in order--good thing Dad pays!
One morning while leaving the SMTC
Starting, it seemed was just not to be

It ended up Paco had to be towed
(Dad was just thrilled when he learned what he owed)
The gas tank, turns out, was infected somehow
I haven't a clue how it happened, even now

Then there's the time driving North on 15
I started losing power and wanted to scream
Not knowing what to do, I pulled off the road
And waited, again, for my car to be towed

I rode in the truck with a scary-looking man
Much relieved when Aunt Leslie showed up in the van
The alternator was the culprit that day
But it was soon fixed, and we went on our way

There's many a tale of that car could be told
From when he was new, 'till he had to be sold
And a nice young man by the name of Joe
Took him out for a drive, then coughed up the dough

Through rainstorm and blizzard, the sun and the snow
That good little car just continued to go
The adventures we've had would make a long list
And one thing's for sure--Paco will be missed

In memoriam 10/22/07

These are a few of MY favorite things

I was so impressed by Janet's list of favorite things that I decided to make one of my own. So, the following are some of my favorite things.

1. Making Lists: Seriously. This is really fun for me. Recent lists I've made include Things to do when I'm bored, Things to do soon, Groceries, Dinner Ideas, Books I'd like to read, and the 30 or so jobs I've applied and been rejected for in the past several months.

2. Exercise. Be it running, walking, biking, tennis, weight lifting, pilates, turbo cleaning, or more, I really like moving my body.

3. Reading. Good books I've read recently are a YA novel called The Penderwicks, which was delightful, and another YA book called The Last Treasure, which was also very good. I'm currently reading a book called You: The Owner's Manual, which has a lot of good information and advice about your body and how to keep it young and running smoothly.

4. Writing. From the Snowy Princess series to "Odes to Dad," Power of the Pen, my journal, or writing my name over and over, I love the feel of pen on paper.

5. Email. Not many things brighten my day like an inbox full of real emails. And, not many things put a damper on my day like no emails.

6. Biggest Loser. Since Preston has class late on Tuesdays, I have to entertain myself, so I discovered Biggest Loser. I love how dramatic they make the "weigh-ins" and the "eliminations." I don't love all the commercials and wasted time, but it never fails to entertain me.

7. Sleeping. I don't know what it is with me lately, but I love sleeping, and I'm having a very hard time getting up in the mornings.

8. Cleaning. I know, this is odd, but once I start cleaning and organizing, I can't stop.

9. Card making. Surprise! Ever since our last Enrichment, I can't stand the thought of purchasing a birthday card for someone. And for someone who's poor and who doesn't have a whole lot of talent in the craft department, I've made some pretty darn cute cards.

10. Shopping. This one kind of stinks for poor people, but even a trip to the $1.05 store thrills me.

11. Recycling. Now, I'm no Al Gore, but I do think we should be good stewards, so I save our recyclables and take them up to BYU where they have recycling bins.

12. Improving my vocabulary. On my Christmas list is a Vocabulary Builder book. According to someone who shall remain nameless, I got dumb on my mission, so I'm trying to get my smarts back.

Sloppy Joe's Kitchen

The following is a paper I wrote in a writing class last year. It might bring back memories.

The Wonders of a Plastic Kitchen Play Set

“It’s time for Sloppy Joe’s Kitchen,” squeaked Ben’s little voice from the basement. This was possibly the most exciting time of the week. The plastic kitchen play set Joanna had received for Christmas became a wonderful tool of imagination as my older brothers masterfully modeled The Frugal Gourmet and other cooking shows, creating a unique and imaginative show of their own. The show was broadcast from our basement, and even without real technology, was somehow heard all throughout the house.

Sloppy Joe, my older brother Joseph, perfectly fit the role of head chef. He was sloppy, absentminded, and good at throwing things around and making messes. Ben was a good host, with his annoying little brother attitude and a natural propensity for speech. And we, the younger sisters, were of course non-participants, being diverted from the audience. We were devoted viewers, never missing an episode.

Mom was not a fan of Sloppy Joe’s Kitchen. It might have been the racket that floated up through the house, the clutter of plastic foodstuffs left lying around the basement, or the fact that it riled us up so much that we had a hard time settling down, but she did not enjoy the show and tried her best to censor it. As we know, however, a classic always survives, and so did Sloppy Joe’s Kitchen.

I don’t remember any particular dish created in Sloppy Joe’s Kitchen. Come to think of it, I don’t really remember anything that went on in the show. I just remember that somehow, plastic hamburger patties and buns, lettuce and tomatoes, and what resembled a slice of plastic cheese flew through the air as a masterpiece was created. I remember the genius and humor of my brothers as they collaborated in their mischief. And I remember that we were wildly entertained.

It’s amazing what kids come up with when given something to work with. Objects that were intended to entertain domestic little girls became tools of communication for my silly older brothers. Our dolls and other playthings were set aside as we became real participants in the imaginings of our brothers. We were transported to a magic world of our own creating and entertained for hours. It was not, however, a completely ideal world.

“Kids,” Mom said sternly. “Go back downstairs and don’t come up until the basement is clean.”

And the adventure begins again…

Life in the Highway

I just wanted to write and thank you all for your prayers and support this week. The LSAT went great. I was a little weak on the "games" section, which typically I score very high, but I feel I did better than average on the rest of the test. Anyways, it's done and I can now resume a somewhat normal life. I wont find out my score for another couple of weeks, but between now and then I will be getting my applications ready.

Also, Red Sox secured home field advantage throughout the playoffs by being best team in baseball (officially). And I am enjoying the current Cougar win streak: 31-24 over the Lobos!

Love ya guys

Crafty

I have been labeled by some members of our family as "not crafty." If you need your bathroom cleaned or the fridge cleaned out, I'm your woman. If you need help with yard work, call me up; but crafts, those are best left to other family members. Let this post prove you wrong.

Exhibit A:


We made these pumpkins over Labor Day with Preston's family. I admit, I had some help on the first one, but the little I made all by myself. Are they not cute?




Exhibit B:

We had a card making class at out last Enrichment. I chose to go to that one because the other choices were sewing and crocheting (not that I don't "like" sewing and crocheting, but I'm practically an expert at both already). So, I made this card. Now, don't tell me you wouldn't be thrilled to receive a card like this for your birthday.








This card I made on my own, with my own supplies, in my own house.






Exhibit C: I don't have photos of this one, but for proof of my sewing prowess, ask Joanna or Sarah to see the pajama pants I made for them earlier this year.

So there.

The Bean Museum

So...we found ourselves with some extra time the few hours Joanna was here before entering the MTC. An outing was in order. But, what to do? Joanna couldn't eat, so that was out of the question. We didn't want to travel far or spend money, so the only logical thing...The Bean Museum, of course! It's the perfect outing for folks of all ages (I admit, there was basically one age group present while we were there, and it was between 1-6, but I'm sure that was only because it was working hours). Those dead animals could entertain me for hours. And, I have proof that I'm not the only one who enjoys them. Peruse the pictures below. Recognize anyone?


So, the next time you find yourselves in Provo wondering what to do with your time, why not try the Bean Museum? And you can call me--I'd love to be your tour guide.

Joanna, Marilyn, and home work

Another exciting week! The activities included bringing Joanna to the MTC and attending Marilyn Sampson's wedding. She got married to Ben King, so I presume that now makes her Marilyn King.
Preston has been studying hard. The LSAT is quickly approaching and between classes and preparing for the LSAT he is managing to stay very busy. This week he was called to serve as the Scout Committee Chair, which means that he will be in charge of overseeing scout's progression towards their eagles as well as qualifying members of the ward to serve as merit badge counselors. Preston wanted a calling with the young men. I'm certain that he'll do great. Preston also spoke in church today. He thought that he "blabbered on" and was worried about its reception. His attitude changed drastically as his talk was quoted three times in Sunday School and apparently once in Priesthood (and a comment he made in Priesthood apparently was also quoted). He made certain that I knew of the comments. I jokingly told him he needed to work on his pride.

Preston's talk was on "How to speak to others about the gospel." He suggested that we prepare ourselves by reading the scriptures and by thinking about how the gospel applies to everyday topics. He specifically mentioned finance and families as excellent topic. He then said that we need to invite others to activities held by the church: temple tours, stake youth dances, seminary, or to our ward luau this Friday. I was proud of him.

As for myself, I was happy to see Marilyn get married. It was a wonderful wedding. They held the reception at a nice reception hall with wonderful deserts: ice cream, chocolates, cheese cake and of course wedding cake. She looked great, and it was nice to see my other friends: Jenifer Presnell, Rachel Spencer, and Stephanie Judd.

Our old bishopric showed up. Preston apparently now is holding an even larger grudge against the first counselor because he skipped ours, but he showed up to Ben and Marilyn's. Preston jokes around a lot about things like that. He doesn't really hold grudges. Well, I'm pretty certain that he doesn't.

As for me this week, I subbed as a PE teacher and in an elementary school. Very exciting. Hopefully some long term employment will come my way.

Labor Day Weekend Blast!

We had a great weekend last weekend, and hope that you all enjoyed your labor-less weekend. Our activities included another trip to the Orem Owlz, shown at the left; a 10K in the Midway, UT Swiss Days, in which Preston won his first running award (3rd place) and Emily added to her collection with a 5th place ribbon; a BYU victory (by the way, they were out of size small Fully Invested shirts, but I was wearing BYU sandals!); a trip to a cabin up in Park City, and the start of classes for Preston. Wow it was really packed solid with things to do. We saw a double rainbow on the way up to the cabin, as well as lots of wildlife: tons of deer, lots of squirrels, birds, and we got up close and personal with quite a few mooses.

What to do...

Good thing I don't have a JOB so I have plenty of time to mess around with this blog thing. Of course, that probably also means I won't have anything interesting to post. I'm thinking about writing my memoirs. Do you think anyone would read them?