A Vote of Thanks

Last week the were a lot of changes in our ward, 34 releases and new callings... that a lot for just one day! One of those major changes was the relief society Presidency, in which I had been a part of for over a year. I can honestly say that the experience was life changing, just as this change will be.

Sisterhood-After our ward split in Feb 2007, I could count the number of people that I knew in my ward, one one hand. I am so thankful to have been called as the 2ND counselor in the RS presidency because it forced me to not only step out of my comfort zone, but to expand it. I chose to believe that if I felt lost and lonely in the ward, the chances were that others did as well. So Lynda(Pres.), Natalie( 1st counselor), Lara (Sec.) and I decided that we would do anything we could (including taping off sections of chairs in the RS room) to help the sisters in our ward feel just that,.. sisterhood. We held weekly meetings to discuss the needs of our sisters and ways to help everyone feel need and included. We planned a terrific training retreat and I for one feel extremely blesses to have the opportunity to get to know so my amazing sisters on such a personal level. We also wanted to get to know many sisters who we had never meet, and we did! I am proud to say that we were able to find and hopefully fellowship several sisters who may have felt as though they had fallen off the radar and been forgotten, some sister how hadn't had someone drop by to say hello in years. Every week the four of us would meet together with birthday treat and trek out and visit those we saw every week at church or to try to extend a bit of kindness to those in need, I want to tell everyone what an amazing opportunity that was, and I will truly miss it.

Enrichment- Under the direction of the Stake RS presidency as well as our bishopric, we planned monthly activities or programs meant to teach, uplift, inspire, and entertain. I want to clarify for the record, that it does in fact in the "handbook" say that it is up to each RS presidency to decided how many enrichment meetings to hold as well as how frequently they meet. The four quarterly meetings are the least that are required and anything that the stake holds is specified as being separate and not one of the ward enrichment nights. There had been a lot of confusion about this particular subject and now with the new presidency, I wanted to let everyone know that whether they hold just those four a year, or four a month, they have, as we did, the best interest of the sisters at heart. Please give your support to them by attending, or at the very least, do not discourage others from joining in; because even if you do not need enrichment in your life, there are others who do. The topic that is discusses at the meetings has been prayerful considered and inspired, for the needs of the families in our ward. Lastly, concerning the monthly enrichment nights, I want to give a BIG thank you to everyone who participated in helping set up, take down, or simply showing up; but mostly to my Enrichment Leader, Kelly and her assistant, Ashley. These are two very talented women who gave so much to ensure the success of the evening, they gave, time, energy, money, talent, and a whole lot of listening to me and my complaining; I am so thankful for the chance to get to know both of you, I will forever love Enrichment for introducing me to two of my best friends and I'm sure many more close friends in the future.

Teaching & Conducting- I know you've all heard it before, but I feel that the teacher often learns more from a lesson than anyone else could ever hope to. Every third Fast Sunday, I was responsible for teaching, which doesn't sound too bad, except, there's no topic, no manual, no guide book, nothing!.. Just prayer! I both dreaded and loved the responsibility of preparing on the topic of my choice. Also, there was a responsibility to know the lesson that any of the other teachers was giving, based on the very likely chance that if no one was participating in the lesson, the presidency was called upon to answer questions and give opinions. One of my favorite perks, was conducting; not because I like making a fool of myself by telling everyone wrong dates, mistakenly introducing sisters as new (sorry Taren) or simply becoming tongue-tied. I loved conducting because I was lucky enough to get to bear my testimony after each lesson, change songs on a whim, and receiving the occasional courtesy laugh from the few sisters who pretended to appreciate my jokes. Thanks girls!

Unexpected Friendships- Lynda, Natalie, Lara, and I, an unlikely bunch for sure. I will never forget while visiting one sister in particular, after visiting for a few minutes, her husband walked in the room , and gave a seriously puzzled look, he couldn't figure out why we would all be hanging out together. It's true, why the four of us would connect with each other, is beyond me....except I know without a doubt that it was the Lord's plan. I have learned so much just from spending time with these four amazing women. Lynda. I love you. You know I think you are long winded and can out talk any one I know, but I love that about you. You always know what to say and you have a story for every occasion, you have given countless words of wisdom to me any many others; nothing frightens you and you never loose your cool. Natalie, so talented, I truly think there isn't anything you can't do when you decide to do it. Your so smart and always willing to learn and teach others, great listener and problem solver, thanks for always humoring me. Lara, you are so kindhearted. You are always willing to give people the benefit of the doubt and and find the good in everyone, you make people feel comfortable and loved. While serving in a calling that requires so much time spent with a few sisters, it is inevitable that lasting friendships will be formed. I am so grateful for that, and all that I have learned about myself and being a better Rachel from serving with this presidency and in this capacity.

Out with the Old and on with the New- With every release comes new opportunity to serve and while I do feel like this is the end of an era (defined as a significant period of time), I am so looking forward to being able to spend more time at home with my family. Also my new calling, or our new callings, I guess I should say, is Activities Chair. Tom is thrilled and I know that this is going to be a great opportunity to take the many friendships that I have acquired and transform them into friendships that my family can share with other families in the ward.

Thank you all again for all the support that was definitely needed in the last year or so, as I tried to serve in this calling, and for the kind words of encouragement as we start our new calling.

A Sprinklin' Kind of Day

I know we’re only supposed to water at night, but we couldn’t resist chasing the kids around the yard with the hose as they run through the sprinklers. Kaylee pulled her friend Kyla around the spray, Warner tried to ride his scooter through the water and Xan just drove his trucks in the puddles on the side. I think we all had a blast simply cooling off in this 105’ weather.

ABC Tag

A - Attached or Single? – Attached Happily!
B - Best Friend - My husband Tom & my sister Amie

C - Cake or Pie? – Boston Cream Pie (Which is actually a cake)

D - Day of choice? – Sunday, a reason to get dressed up, and get justifiable relaxation.

E - Essential item? - Mascara

F - Favorite color? – So hard to choose, it depends, on if that’s for a shirt, or balloons or whatever.

G - Gummy bears or worms? – Neither, if it’s possible, I think they are too sweet!
H - Hometown? – I grew up in West Valley UT, But I don’t’ know if I would call it “home”
I - Favorite Indulgence? - Shopping

J - January or July? - January (I don’t like wearing shorts, and in Vegas it’s almost a must)

K - Kids? –Kaylee 7, Warner 5, Xander 2

L - Life isn't complete without? – Good friends!

M - Marriage Date? - November 4, 2000
N - Number of Bros & Sis? - 5 brothers (Jon, Nate, Jason, Caleb, Jacob), 1 sister (Amie)

O - Oranges or Apples? – Cameo Apples

P - Phobias and Fears? – Spiders, Driving over or near water…yikes!
Q - Quote?- "Try a little harder to be a little better."- Gordon B. Hinckley

R - Reason to smile? – Tom just got a huge raise! ;) (money doesn't slove everything, but it sure makes things easier!)
S - Season of choice? - Fall

T - Tag Ten People? – Tiffany, Sharon, Mindi, Tami, Stephanie, Becky, Jen, Liz, (I know that’s only 8!)

U - Unknown fact about me? – I like keeping score, giving talks, and talking to strangers.
V - Vegetable? – Broccoli, boiled and swimming in butter.

W - Worst habit? - Picking and scratching at my skin.

X - X-Ray? – Ankle, elbow, thumb, foot, wrist, back, lungs, ribs, nose, neck (I didn’t think I was accident prone until I read this list!)

Y - Your favorite food? – Pork roast and mashed potatoes

Z - Zodiac sign? - Aquarius

Ants in My Pants

This is for my mom, who loves this story and has me retell it to everyone....enjoy!


Before we lived in Las Vegas, about 5 years ago, we lived in Orange County California. It is so much different there than Vegas or Salt Lake (where we are origanally from). The humidity near the coast was very different from the desert; besides the climate there were many other adjustments to make. For instance, driving was a new challenge all on its own. For any one who has ever tried to battle the California traffic, I salute you. Any Californian knows that if you want to make it to work on time, you must leave your home early enough to have time to park on the freeway, before arriving at the office. But the biggest change was becoming accustomed to the local wildlife,... ants. It seems to me that Orange County was built directly on top of one gigantic ant hill. Deep beneath the cities and homes that people live in, are hundreds of miles of tiny tunnels loaded with ants, both black and red, creeping, crawling ants. On any given morning we would wake to find never-ending trails of ants; leading from one corner of the kitchen, winding through cupboards, over dishes and reaching to an almost invisible crack in the floor boards.

One day Tom’s alarm clock sounded at 4:30 am; just enough time to make a quick lunch and get to the jobsite after fighting traffic. It was still dark when Tom hit the snooze button for the second time. Barely conscious of my own thoughts, I asked, “Won’t that make you late?” Tom rationalized his actions of sleeping for just ten more minutes, by reminding me that he had set out his clothes and work boots the night before. When the alarm went off a third time, he sat up in the dark and began to get ready. After lacing up the heavy, steel-toed work boots that all electricians are required to wear, Tom crept quietly to the kitchen to prepare his mid-day meal.

While spreading the peanut butter on his sandwich, he noticed an ant, and then another, and another. “Here we go again!” Tom thought, as he searched for the line of ants to find where they were coming from. He looked but could see there were none on the counter, and no pests on the floor, in fact there were no ant trails in sight. But there it was again, a little tickle on his hand; where were the ants coming from? In horror, Tom dropped the knife he was using to spread the jam when he realized they were creeping out of his sleeve! He ran back to the bedroom and flicked on the light. “What it is?” I sat up, startled by the light. I squinted and turned my head to see what it was Tom was scowling at. Then I saw it too; a two foot wide column of black ants, covering the wall below the window, leading straight to the old blanket chest where his clothes had been placed the night earlier. In one quick movement he dropped his drawers, and stood there in his boxers with his pants around his ankles. He was covered in ants! Tom started to dance around scratching where ever he could reach; hopping on one foot then the other, violently thrashing his arms around as he smacked himself on the chest and legs. I couldn’t help but laugh, until he shot me a look that told me, this was serious. I apologized for the outburst, and didn’t blink for the fear off missing this hysterical scene. I asked Tom as calmly as I could, “Why don’t you change you clothes?” What he said next, I will never forget. “I got my boots on…they’re in my under wear!” With that he pulled his pants up and stormed out the door.

All day long at the jobsite, Tom’s co-workers were kind enough to point out the ants on his hardhat, neck, arms, and of course his pants. From then on the old phrase, “I’ve got ants in my pants” has taken on a new meaning for us.

Bath Time,.. Car Wash,.. What's the difference?

I consider myself to be a lucky mom for many reasons, but today I am reminded about one in particular. I never have to fight the boys to get in the bath; heck, I don’t even have to call them to come. Once they hear the water going, they come running, with hundreds of cars, trucks, planes, and guys, all needing a bath as well. They line up the vehicles along every edge and shelf of the tub, to await their turn in the wash, while dozens more are already soaking in the suds. I think it’s funny, but part of me can’t help but dread the water mess on the floor, not to mention I am always the worker in charge of towel drying in this free hand car wash. I guess I should be proud that they take such pride in the appearance of their toys.

Summer Haircut

Warner has wanted to grown his hair out for a long time,... refusing haircuts (except for the occasional trim in the front so he can see) even when offered a small bribe. I have to admit it was so soft and blond; I loved to play with it too. But Tom would not let up with comments about his “pretty little girl” and surprisingly enough it didn’t bother Warner, because he loved his locks so much. It’s not that it was incredibly long, but when I remembered one of my girlfriends from school, who, actually did have the same cut, I decided It was time for a new summer do.

Before....

..& After

By the time we were done there was 3x as much hair on the floor as on his head… but doesn’t he look so handsome!?!?!

Tuesday Night is Family Night at the Drive-In

With movie ticket prices ever increasing, we love to take advantage of the family deal on Tuesdays at the Drive-In, just $4.25 per Adult! The Kids love going to the theater that’s out side, probably because it’s a free pass to be a little nosier, a little dirtier andas always it’s an adventure. This time we brought along some friends and saw KUNG FU PANDA (which was pretty cute) and IRON MAN (again). The kids never stay awake for both pictures, heck neither does Tom, but we sure do have fun!

*FlashBack* I will never forget the warm summer nights spent in the back of my dad’s pickup, the bed lined with pillows and blankets and anything else my brother Nate and I could find, including cushions from the couch and stuffed animals, to fashion a bed fit for a Sultan. A planned trip to the Redwood Drive-In was always welcomed, since it meant a night of breaking rules. At the Drive-In there was never any bedtime, dinner was usually pizza or some other fun food, we ate candy all night, and watched two movies in a row! But the best part was riding in the back of the truck, knowing that we had to lie still under the layers of blankets, we'de even warn each other to wisper, or else, for sure get caught breaking the law!

*Do you remember those speakers with the metal clips that you could hook to your car window? Quality sound system right there!