I cannot tell a lie!

Jason and Thomas. Two faces that make me very happy! LOVE YOU GUYS!

MY CHRISTMAS LIST. What's yours?

WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS? TAG you're it.

1) A new bulb for my Whirlpool oven
2) For my mother not to be alone on Christmas
3) Pretty Purple Plates for my sister
4) To talk to Loree again (she died)
5) Rust proof metal cooking tongs
6) To take my husband to "Mikado's" to lunch
7) To hug my missionary
8) My son to have a job he likes and is successful
9) For the computer to stop dumping long emails I try to write.
10) To be able to be with my Dad for his birthday.
11) Transportation so I could do nice things for other people.
12) A new battery for my laptop. It keeps overheating
13) Find a cure for Epilepsy,so I can drive again.
14) A goldfish (Beta)
15) For my other sister to be cancer free forever.
16) For my wonderful father in law's heart to be steady and regular.
17) A female movie buddy.
18) For Dad to see out of his other side again.
19) For Sheila-mom to know she's blessed my life immensely
20) For Ray to know he's forgiven and that I want him to be happy
21) To have sugar without guilt
22) For Nelda to know how she has blessed our missionary my making her feel pretty on the mission!
23) To personally thank all the anonymous MISSION donors!
24) To take my husband to Thai Food on Christmas Eve.
25) To purchase a particular charm at Dear Lizzie for my own Dear Lizzie.
26) To get completely out of medical debt.
27) To have the written testimonies of my children, for my journal.
28) To hold a little baby. I don't care whose it is,I just want to hold a baby.
29) For the test to go well.
30) Peace on earth
31) Tickets for Kat and Travis for Disneyland and Pirate Dinner Adventure in Anaheim
32) Tickets for date with Spence for Trans Siberian Orchestra for next year.
33) For my bathroom door to open out, in case I have a seizure in the bathroom.
34) To have someone help me organize my photographs so I can digitally scan them.
35) For sunflowers to grow in snow.
36) To go to the "Nutcracker" for the first time.
37) To see my Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Jigg this next summer in Yellowstone
38) A treadmill (not an eliptical) with a padded front bar.

G-L-E-E-K !

It's official! I'm a "Gleek" and I had a Glee Marathon today. There it's out. :-)

My Dear Young Friends....(lessons on love)

1. "Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back and soften and purify the heart." - Washington Irving

2. "Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there." - Otomo No Yakamochi

3. "Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss, and ends with a teardrop. - Anonymous

4. "There is love of course. And then there's life, its enemy." - Jean Anouilh

5. "'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all." - Alfred Lord Tennyson

6. "Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.
- Kahlil Gibran

7. "I was never one to patiently pick up broken fragments and glue them together again and tell myself that the mended whole was as good as new. What is broken is broken -- and I'd rather remember it as it was at its best than mend it and see the broken places as long as I lived." - Margaret Mitchell


8. "The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost." - G. K. Chesterton

9. "It is better to have loved and lost than never to have lost at all. - Samuel Butler

10. "The hottest love has the coldest end." - Socrates

Camelot! Camelot! I know it sounds a bit bizarre...

KUDOS to Lone Peak High School's performance of CAMELOT! Great job kids! Especially my neice Laura Shattuck!

"I wonder what the king is doing tonight?
What merriment is the king pursuing tonight?
The candles at the court, they never burned as bright.
I wonder what the king is up to tonight?
...Well, I'll tell you what the king is doing tonight:
He's scared! He's scared!"

Poor Wart..., he never saw it coming. . .

44 things about me! TAG!

Learn 44 things about your friends, and let them learn 44 things about you! Tag the person that sent it plus others.

1. Do you like blue cheese?
Yes, but in order: Poppy Seed, Thousand Island, then blue cheese.

2. Have you ever been drunk?
-At my sister's wedding - accidently, I was too young to know it was spiked.
-At Olive Garden with the Bishop and his wife (he was my brother in law) and
they gave me the wrong drink! We didn't know. I was really sick afterwards.

3. Do you own a gun?
I really want Ruger. I love handguns and archery.

4. What flavor of Kool Aid was your favorite?
Raspberry

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?
Only the ear doctor. Good man, but usually bad news.

6. What do you think of hot dogs?
I crave them about once every couple of months, fully loaded from DerWeinerschnitzel

7. Favorite Christmas movie?
Grinch. :)

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
I really like Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice, but I VERY seldom have it on hand.

9. Can you do push ups?
Only if you challenge me and do it with me.

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry?
My Dear Lizzie necklace that my missionary daughter got for me before she left.
It says "Family".

11. Favorite hobby?
Genealogy

12. Do you have A.D.D.?
Nope, but I do have OCD.

13. What's your favorite shoe?
I have a few, and they are all from other countries! China, Philipines, India.

14. Middle name?
"Maureen" (oh, please, I don't like it, so I changed it to BOSANKO on my I.D.)

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment?
a) Why in the world did I not hear from my missionary this week?
b) I'm hungry for something Japanese.
c) I wish I could drive again.

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink?
Water, Apple Juice, Warm Citrus Cider

17. Current worry?
Employment

18. Current hate right now?
That unidentified 'stink' downstairs...in the basement.

20. How did you bring in the New Year?
Slept through it and soundly!

21. Where would you like to go?
England to pick up my daughter, Christmas 2010.

22. Name three people who will complete this?
a) Misty
b) Kat
c) Stephanie

23. Do you own slippers?
yes, three pairs!

24. What color shirt are you wearing right now?
White

25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets?
Never done it, but I do like my Egyptian Cotton 350 count!

26. Can you whistle?
Since I was about 10, and I drove my Dad nuts!

27. Favorite colors?
Seafoam Green, Dark Lavendar

28. Would you be a pirate?
Totally, in fact, the Pirate Queen.

29. What songs do you sing in the shower?
"Get Together" (old 70's song) "Family" by Dolly Parton
"You are the Preacher" by Dolly Parton, and any 70's music.
I'm not a huge Dolly fan, but I like just those two songs and lyrics.

30. Favorite girl's Name?
Lola (don't laugh!)

31. Favorite boy's name?
Johhny D. (go figure...)

32. What's in your pocket right now?
Cel phone

33. Last thing that made you laugh?
Cute little kid who said he wrote my daughter as a service project just so he could get a piece of candy out of the Bishop's service jar. :-)

34. Best bed sheets as a child?
Pink and white stripes (extra crispy)

35. Worst injury you've ever had as a child?
Dropped both heels into the wheel spokes of my Grandpa's bike. No shoes. Ouch.

38. Who is your loudest friend?
I would say Misty, but I think I'm WAY louder!

39. How many dogs do you have?
None yet, but I really want to get a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, asap.
It would have to be a purebread with papers, because I won't tolerate Cherry Eye.

40. Does someone have a crush on you?
Yes! But he's not well, so I don't take it seriously.

41. What is your favorite book?
Secret Life of Bees.

42. What is your favorite candy?
Plain M & Ms

43. Favorite Sports Team?
Are you kidding me? BYU Men's Soccer!

44. What song do you want played at your funeral?
Elvis Presley's version of "How Great Thou Art" (not at the church, please!)
If I get my wish to be cremated, then start with Elvis' "hunk of burning love" and end with "The Spirit of God like a fire is burning" No church funeral please, sorry!

Hey, Let's TALK ABOUT IT...

Greg Grunberg - "Officer Matt Parkman" is one of my best "Heroes". I'd really like to thank him in person someday for what he's done to raise awareness about Epilepsy

Let's "TALK ABOUT IT" http://www.talkaboutit.org/flash.shtml

Happy National Epilepsy Awareness Month. Check it out on line and learn what to do if you see someone have a seizure

"This is It" and that was that! Good Times!

These darling children and their Mommy brought by this poster for Sister Shattuck in England and invited me to the Michael Jackson Movie "This Is It". These darling children knew most of the words to these songs and we had a blast clapping and singing. I was "Thriller-ed" that someone else was such a big fan of his music also! These kids are a crack up singing beat it! Thanks for the invite, it was a blast and the company is so dang cute!!! I just wanted to squeeze them!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

I'm "Royce" and I'm your Tour Guide! Mt. Timp Caves Extravaganza!!!

Today we had a great family experience. I carried a little picture of Lizzie so she could hike with us in proxy. I thought a lot about her, and her growth, mentally, spiritually and physically as she climbed her own "Mountain of Faith". I wasn't initially sure I could do it - Hike to the Timp Caves. I was prepared (probably over prepared) and I did it and it was so TOTALL WORTH IT! The expression alone on my kids' face and to see them proud of their parents was wonderful. I loved that Travis held my hand to help me up part of it, and that in the caves, Spencer kept me steady. I also loved our tour guide. He was totally fine with the fact that I had epilepsy (I was a little apprehensive about being in the cave, with lights flashing) and he was very calming and extremely informative. EVERYONE should have a tour with this OUTSTANDING guide. He knows it all, seen it all, and has a great story to tell and very humorous. He really made our day! I also made a few friends along the way, and one was this little caterpillar and the other was a chipmunk. Yes, I named him Alvin. I look like a wet rag doll in this picture, but we had the time of our lives!!! Thank you Spencer for the great family date idea, thanks Kat and Travis for getting the tickets and for your great encouragement. Mark, I'm as proud of you as I am of myself for making it to the top. I only had a hard time coming down off my Victory Hike, because I wanted to continue to enjoy the view!!! What a great day!

Hola! Where do you live? Ola! Hola, now really...

Momma always does a cooking show in the car. This show was "Roadtrip Guacamole"


The finished product! A little bit of this and a little bit of that and OLE! or is it OLA? Or was it HOLA? I really can't remember now....LOL

Left Zion, went to Paradise, BACK TO ZION!!!

IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!!!

Blissfully Out of Control!!!!

Grandparent Hungry...Mark rediscovers his childhood.

We didn't realize it until today, but I think we might be grand-kid hungry. We've resorted to inviting people who have little kids over for dinner, so we can play with their kids (ok, we like the parents too!) This little girl was adorable and kept putting her little feet on Mark and he would grab at her little piggy toes. Then we went to the park and Mark took a ride on the swings, and zip line. hahaha.
The young couple said they could tell we would be wonderful grandparents. :) I was thinking what I wanted my future grandkids to call me.... Grammy? Nonna? Nonnie? Granny? Grandma Linda (NO!!!!), what is your vote? What did you call YOUR Grandma?

It was the only thing that gave me comfort today...

The above picture was taken with my cel phone. It was the only thing that gave me comfort today. Sorry it's blurry, but this scene makes me really really happy and comforted me.

ROAD TRIP! Who's with me?

ZILLIONS OF ZUCHINNIS - HELP!!!!

Thanks to Michelle Erickson who taught me to grow the best zuchinnis and to "FRANK" for giving me the best Miracle Grow for Vegetables!!! WooHoo!!! Anybody want some? CALL ME

GREAT DAY at the Charleston! SHAVED ICE PARTY

Happy Birthday, DollFace! I LOVE YOU so much!

Now you know why I called you DollFace. Kat, when I had you, I knew that I would be the happiest mother ever. Look at you...now look at you now. I love you so much.
Happy Birthday, darling. I don't care what anyone says...I started the fan-club and I am still your BIGGEST and #1 fan.

My husband wants to buy me a CAR!

That's him....Mark...actually looking at buying this thing. Imagine how I could terrorize the neighborhood.... "Linda the MeterMaid". Do I need a license to drive this thing? I appreciated his thoughtfulness, but it's kinda "random". Besides, I don't think I can fit the costume.

Only 17 more FAST Sundays to go!

Here is the wall-chart we're keeping for Sister Shattuck. There's three circles and I'm really only counting FAST Sundays, so tommorrow is our first Fast Sunday without her. Only 17 more to go. Fast Sunday is usually the first day of the month, and we go without food or water for 2 meals and pray for something special or for someone special. I'm praying for Jaime's Dad's health and for Lizzie to have courage and determination to serve the Lord well on her mission for Him.

Sister Shattuck has arrived in England!

We just got an email from the England MTC and she has arrived safely and soundly in England! Here's a picture of her minutes after she was set apart. :)

Please write to Sister Shattuck

Sister Elizabeth Anne Shattuck
England London Mission
64-68 Princes Gate
Exhibition Road, South Kensington
London, England SW7 2PA

Tomorrow Morning, she's leaving on a jet plane...

Sister Shattuck is leaving to go to the England MTC in Preston, England for a few weeks, then on to the England London mission (to include areas in north London and north OF London. Check out her blog for her address and write her! www.sincerelylizzie.blogspot.com is her blog so watch it for mission updates and pictures!

I will never again...

1. Drive a vehicle on the freeway
2. Give birth to anything
3. Try to give anyone directions to Manti
4. Eat some of Jack's oatmeal accidently
5. Collect books, keys, bells, stamps or bandaids
6. Pick up a lit cigarette
7. Order a Peach Bellini at Olive Garden without checking on the contents first
8. Back talk my wonderful father
9. Talk to Loree Jones on this side of the veil.
10. Live with Bi-Polar people who are not medicated.
...and that's my FINAL answer.

Stolen pictures.... I love this one.

KAT, did you know I stole a picture of you?

Sister Cassie Kortsen, we're proud of you!

The NorCal RenFaire...

I miss this more than just a little bit.

On her way in FIVE days!

"not to Secret anymore" Wishes....What's YOURS?

- To get cleared to drive again.
- To be a seminary teacher again.
- To hold African AIDS babies, who I am convinced...need me.
- To travel to India and teach English at Rising Star Outreach school.
- To hook up Rachel with a date with a guy at lizzie's farewell who was DYING to meet her (no, it's not my son!) but he's too CHICKEN!
- To travel more, especially back to Japan to visit my host family.
- Family vacation with all the family to London in Christmas 2010 to pick up Lizzie.
- to not have to work, although I love my job.
- to be skinny enough to fit into my daughter's clothes.
- to fix my skin pigmentation problems.
- to say goodbye when I didn't have the chance to do it.
- to kidnap my husband to a secret hideway and vacation that's not work oriented. Somewhere close to home though.

COLD VIRUS...

Got tested for the swine flu today. This is what I have...the common cold.
I'm laughing at myself now, but glad I got tested, because I work with a lot of great elderly people who I want to protect. For anyone who is scientifically minded, here is a picture of what I have. It looks great, but feels UGLY.

I love this place. Good things happen here!

It's a magical place with lots of wise and wonderful people therein. I love it.

FREEZE, please.

It just seems that we started selling shaved ice before it was really the right kind of weather. Right idea, Right people, right neighborhood....just a little early. Please FREEZE, just like that. Timing is everything. Argh! :-)

Happy Anniversary, Dollface! He said YES!

PERSONALLY, I THINK IT WOULD LOOK GREAT AGAINST A RED WALL! IT'S YOUR CALL, DOLLFACE! :-)

You know you have Epilespy when...

You know you have epilepsy when there are AT LEAST two (or four in my case) cars in the driveway and you don’t drive.

You know you have E. when...someone asks you if you're alright & you didn't know anything was wrong.

You know you have epilepsy when you find yourself eating lunch for the second time in a row.

You know you have epilepsy when your dentist worries about losing his fingers...

You know you have epilepsy when you can decipher the following: I was dx'd with JME by my epi with an EEG, (had MRI and CT), Rx was Lamictal 100 mg p.o. tid, which controlled the jerks, absence, SP's, atonics, and GTC's...

You know you have epilepsy when holy water burns you. (that's for Sis. Hem...)

You know you have epilepsy when your boss doesn't know whether to call 911 or a Priest.

You know you have epilepsy when your Meds cost more than you make in a month.

You know you have epilepsy when you take meds to help the meds you take.

You know you have epilepsy when upon having a burst of energy you're asked "are you having a episode?"

You know you have epilepsy when...you have a seizure in your sleep and smack your spouse...and they ask ...was that a spell or are you still mad at me ?

You know you have epilepsy when...Sleeping till 3:00 pm is normal...yet not sleeping at all is too.

You know you have epilepsy when you hear ten times a day from your loved ones…did you remember your "pills"

NOTE: Epileptics use humor to cope. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. This list is provided my friend, Paula Apoca, who lightens the load for all of us E's.

I LOVE CHESLEY. That's all. ;-)

And I love Kat and Liz for giving me the best birthday present ever - Chesley.

Pre-Mission Trials!

Sweet Birdie is doing so much better! Thanks for all your prayers and well-wishes, she's doing GREAT and ready to take off for her mission. Due to great family & great neighbors, she's doing awesome! Thanks!