A quickie photo recap

So guess what?  I leave for camp on Monday.  I wish I was brave enough to take a photo of my living room where there is not even a path to walk through currently.  It's bad, people.  I've also been having some fun since I got home from trek.  Here's a quick little picture recap for the 12 of you who are still reading my blog...

I had a sleepover at the Allens. Love this family!!



Cindy and I went to the beach on one of the few sunny days we had.  Then a kid threw sand on us and we met Cindy's family for dinner at Red Robin and then saw Super 8 (good movie.) 



I said goodbye to another dear friend.  Alberta moved about 40 minutes away, which isn't London but still, sad.

I got a pic with my four favorite boys at the open house for Alberta and her family.  Am I a lucky girl or what?

I went to Cindy's mutual activity and got this funny pic of her and Sarah having fun

My darling girls Nikki & Bridget at yet another 2YCL party.  Triple love them!



Cindy and I hang out a lot, obviously (ha.)  Here she is with my two nieces Makenna and Rylee. Shortly thereafter, I was "hit on" by my mom's neighbor who I found out, after talking to him again today, is twice divorced with seven children.  And that's all I have to say about that.



Susan, her daughter Emily, Cindy and I went to see Harry Potter (loved it!)  Emily drew scars on our foreheads.  We are so dang cool.

I had FHE with the Ekins and Taggarts this week.  I love that we've been pretty consistently getting together this year.

Here's my wonderful home teacher/Stake Pres and his amazing wife

My friends the I's came to visit from Chicago and we took our typical family shot with B's wife behind the camera.  Cute family, no?

AND...Cindy and I saw a deer.  I was excited so had to take a pic.

Stuff I don't want to forget - Trek edition

It's so hard to try and capture everything that happened last week on our stake's pioneer trek.  It was my first time ever participating in one and my experience was different than that of the ma's and pa's in that I didn't have kids assigned to me. But I had an awesome stake family (all of the behind-the scenes staff) and I miss being with them as much as the kids miss their trek families.  This is going to be a long entry but here are some random things I don't want to forget...oh and if you ever get asked to go on a trek, you'd better go.  Seriously.  Go.

1. I want to always remember the visual of the kids arriving all excited and happy and shiny and clean in their darling trek outfits.  We had 154 youth on our trek.  One of the greatest ideas someone had was to have them turn their gear in on the Saturday before trek.  Everyone was locked in and showed up on Wednesday so we didn't have to quickly reshuffle families before they left. 

2. I want to remember that dust kills digital cameras.  Mine lasted one day - and I ordered a new one today after blowing air through it and trying to fix it.  Dang.

3. I want to always remember how great it was to have the kids I'm closest to coming to find me throughout the trek for a hug or a chat or whatever.  I so love these youth!

Emily, me, Cindy & Carly

4. I want to remember that teenagers eat way more than you think they are going to eat.  Alberta and I had to drive 45 minutes into town to get more snacks plus fruit, eggs, milk and cheese at Costco and WalMart in Kennewick.  IN OUR TREK CLOTHES!  Oh the pain.  I could have changed but that would have left Alberta alone in her darling bloomers and I love her too much to do that to her.  We took off our aprons and bonnets and braved WalMart.  We got a lot of double takes.  I taught Alberta to not make eye contact with anyone because then you wouldn't see them look at you like you're a nutjob.  We saw missionaries at WalMart which was nice.  Then Costco was a trip.  Thankfully the carts are big and hid us, mostly.  Alberta had to go get a second cart (yes we filled a flatbed AND a cart) and she came back saying "we can't ever be alone in here" because the two of us together blended better, apparently.  I came out to the parking lot and Alberta was at the car, calling to me, "sister wife, oh sister wife."  So funny.

Alberta and me with pained looks on our faces after dealing with the gawkers at Costco & WalMart.

5.  I want to remember how hard the wind blew the first two days (thus the death of my camera.)  It was 35 MPH gusts and they were a killer.  Alison, Melanie, Lisa and I shared a big 8-man tent and seriously, it was a-rockin' that first night.  The side of the tent kept hitting me the whole night.  I woke up at one point to see one of the poles flailing about.  I remember praying off and on that the winds would calm.  It was a painful night of no sleep.  I woke up at 4:45 AM and promptly laughed hysterically about nothing until I cried because I was so tired.  I changed into my red pioneer outfit and had to add my dark blue hoodie because it was still so cold and windy.  I felt very patriotic as I looked outside at the amber waves of grain and had to sing "America the Beautiful" for everyone.  Alison and I went from handcart to handcart singing that and "Scatter Sunshine."  It was very entertaining (for me, at least.)

Paige and me

6. I also want to remember how much we all laughed every night and every morning. We stayed up past midnight every night and were the first ones awake, at least an hour before the morning bugle.  The stake leadership tents were all sort of close together the second night and we got comments from our stake president after he listened to our conversations about how he'd be calling us all in for personal interviews after we got back. So funny.  One of the families who was camped at least 10 handcarts away from us commented about how they heard us laughing all night and hoped we'd sleep by them the next night. We also got "so, um, where are you guys going to sleep tonight?" comments (meaning, we will sleep as far away from you as possible.)  Alberta called me "her happy alarm clock."  Who doesn't love hysterical laughter??

Alberta and me (another one of my friends who is moving away.  sob.)

7.  I want to remember how incredibly hard the women's pull was.  Since I wasn't assigned to a family, I asked different families if they needed any help but didn't get any takers until I came upon my good friend Lynda and her group of 4 girls, one of whom was one of my darling YCLs from camp last year, Nikki.  I happily agreed to help them pull their handcart up the 3/4 mile, super steep hill.  Oh and the wind had completely subsided so it was really hot, besides being super challenging.  I stood next to Nikki and we made up words to Primary songs with the other girls and talked about cute boys to take our mind off the heat and the pain.  We stopped a lot but made it to the top and I couldn't make eye contact with the young men who flanked either side of the path with their hats off in respect for what we just accomplished (many of whom were crying at the sight of us working so hard and knowing they could only step in to help if we asked - none of the girls asked.)  Lynda called me her family's angel - she didn't know how they were going to make it until I came along.  I'm so grateful I was able to participate in this special event and with people I love so much.

8. I want to remember how well our activities went...from the angry mobs, to the mountain men, to the evening vignettes and the carnival at Zion...it went perfectly. I loved working with Lisa - she did most of the work and I just happily did what she told me to do.

9. I want to remember that fasting and prayer works.  We fasted and prayed about the Ma's and Pa's and they were all just wonderful.  We fasted and prayed about the big brothers/big sisters assigned to each family and they were so perfect.  They all did such a great job and were always where they were supposed to be and were wonderful leaders.  We fasted and prayed to place youth in their families and every single young man and young woman who bore their testimonies this weekend all said they were in the perfect family.  It was such hard work but so totally worth it in the end.  Heavenly Father is so amazing and good.

10. I want to remember both the fantastic testimony meeting on the last day of trek and the wonderful one in my ward on Sunday after we got home.  Our Sunday meeting went over by more than 30 minutes (a bonus for being the 1 PM block.)  I loved hearing testimonies by so many youth who have never gotten up to share their thoughts and feelings in front of people before.

11. I want to remember the super fun drive home with Alison.  I worried for months about that drive home, knowing we'd be exhausted.  But we stopped and got a drink and a candy bar at a mini mart and then just yakked and yakked the whole way home.  It was so fun getting to know her better. I also want to remember that when we were paying for our drinks, I told Alison I needed to use the restroom. As I was using the bathroom, I remembered that I didn't give her the keys so she could go get in the car and I just started laughing at the thought of her not blending in at all in that mini mart.  Some of the Ma's and Pa's rode together in a large van and when they stopped on the drive home, someone asked if they were filming a movie.  Funny.

The boys starting the hard rope pull (pulling the carts up a big, steep hill)

12. I want to remember feeling impressed to tell a young woman I barely knew that I wished she would come to YW camp with us.  Her YW president had told me earlier in the day that this darling girl wasn't going, that she didn't like it, etc.  I found her after the testimony meeting and challenged her to fast and pray on Fast Sunday about camp (she'd been 1-2 times before and this year would be her last opportunity to go before she graduates.)  We became facebook friends yesterday and she told me she'd gotten the paperwork and was going for sure.  I'm so happy!

 My bishop falling into the gear while we were sorting it.  Ha!

13.  And finally, I want to remember the Facebook flurry after we got home from trek.  I have 25 new friends since Saturday night.  So many kids talked about how much they missed their trek families and shared their feelings with the world about what they'd experienced the previous four days.  I love the safe place that Facebook can be for our youth and that they proudly share their religious experiences with everyone they are friends with.


This is the super cute service missionary, Elder Poe.  LOVE HIM.

There is so much more to mention like being dirtier than I've ever been before, tons of mosquito bites, an awesome farmer's tan, riding in a golf cart around Zion with Alison and Melanie just to feel the cool breeze, taking my stake president and his wife four wheeling in one of the guy's Dodge Durango's, writing letters to some of the youth I'm closest to for the pony express mail delivery (our stake president riding in on a horse - awesome visual), one of the angry mobbers (Kim, it was Gale O.) saying like 5 times how it had been a week since he shot someone (so funny that he kept saying it over and over!), washing kids' hair at the Zion carnival on Friday night, seeing kids smile I'd never seen smile before while they were dancing the Virginia reel, my friend Lisa pretending to be an angry mobber with a toy machine gun (laughing about that even as I type), Cindy telling the angry mobbers that they weren't hugged enough as children, and on and on.  Treks rock.  Seriously.

Good and bad: recap edition

Since I've been a bad blogger...here is a good/bad list to catch you up on the last six weeks of my life.

Good: My birthday was wonderful. I celebrated a lot and got nice presents from my family and friends.  My sister Jaylene gave me a "senior photo shoot" with our cute friend Andrea which I'm kind of excited but nervous about. We're taking them in August.  Three of my girlfriends chipped in and got me a Brighton charm bracelet and I love it.  It's gold and silver and not an old lady charm bracelet at all. Even in the midst of all of her traveling and packing for London, Kim took the time to spoil me and made me my favorite cake (that I promptly spilled on the floor. See her blog for more details.)  KMZT also spoiled me from afar (she was on a business trip) and had a dozen Trophy cupcakes delivered at work (yum.)  Jaylene stole my camera and also stole bites of cupcakes in the pantry when nobody was looking.  Funny Jaylene.

Bad: I said goodbye to my bosom friend Kim.  She's moving to London, which is wonderful (I'll for sure visit) but oh it's hard not having her around.  I'm grateful that I've been so busy with life / work / trek / etc. but it still stinks that she's not just down the street.  I will blog about saying goodbye to her...that's a post all on it's own.

Good: Before she left, Kim and I saw Mary Poppins at the Paramount and it was simply fabulous.  I highly recommend everyone go see it if it ever comes to your town.  I've seen a lot of shows (and Les Miz and Wicked are still my favorites) but this show was probably the best production I've ever seen.  Top notch and SO fun.

Bad (but also good): I've attended LOTS of camp and trek meetings.  Lots.  Trek starts this coming Wednesday.  Am I ready?  Um, I hope?  My mom has been doing a ton of sewing for me and some people I love.  Here's a pic of my sister Jenilee, Cindy and me modeling the latest in bonnet fashion (well, Jen isn't going on trek - and mom didn't make that bonnet but she had to be in the picture.)  I'm so grateful for a mom who willingly sews anything I need her to do...I am so spoiled. But seriously, this picture cracks me up. Jen looks like she has ears on top of her head.

SUPER good: I've been able to play a lot with my fabulous 2nd YCLs from last year.  I went to graduation, took great walks to prepare for trek, went to a ballroom dance recital, and we had a super fun YCL reunion and more. I know I've said it before but I love these girls so much.  We have the best time together and I'm going to be so sad when most of them leave for Rexburg and other places this fall.  Thankfully, there will be a couple who are staying here so I'll still have friends to hang out with. Phew!

Bad: I currently only have half a functioning bathroom.  My upstairs neighbor's shower had a slow leak and it was ugly.  Thankfully, they fixed it quickly and should be painting the ceiling above my shower tomorrow.

Good: My nephew Nathan got baptized last week and I got to give the Holy Ghost talk.  So fun.  This picture cracks me up...we look like such a happy little family (me, my bro-in-law Matt and Nathan.) I also love having so many nieces and nephews close by...such a blessing!

Bad: I broke my tooth.  I'm officially old.  I narrowly escaped getting a crown...for now...

Good: my mom is taking care of my sister's dog's puppies.  How cute are these dogs???



And another good to end on: I've lost just about 42 pounds this year and I feel really great.  I would have liked to have gotten more off before trek but oh well...I'm happy.

There you go, Callie.  Sorry I made you wait so long for an update on my life.  :)

44

Today's my 44th birthday.  No, I'm not wearing that shirt to work today.

I asked my mom last night what she remembered about the day I was born.  As I said last week, I'm adopted (sorry that shocked some of you.  I seriously feel like an open book and think everyone knows all of my secrets.) Anyway, she said she remembers she was outside working in the garden when the phone rang announcing my arrival.  She said they told her to come in and see her new baby girl.  I seem to remember she used to tell us a story about how she ran outside and yelled "it's a girl" or "I'm a mom" or something like that.  Someday I'll get around to scanning old baby pictures.  I was pretty cute back then. ;)

The nurses at the hospital knew I was being adopted and named me "Kay" during the three days I was in the hospital before my parents took me home.  I don't think I look like a Kay so I'm glad my mom and dad named me Jeanelle.  I used to hate how long and different my name was and wished I could find my name on a pencil or license plate for my bike.  Now, I love it.  I love that it's spelled differently and I love that there aren't a lot of Jeanelles out there.

I feel okay being 44, for the most part.  I hate the lines around my eyes and the fact that another year has come and gone and I'm one year closer to spinster-hood (kidding...kind of.)  But for the most part, I'm happy with my 40s. I like this stage better than my 20s and 30s.  I feel more settled in who I am, I'm at a great place spiritually and I'm blessed that I have so many people in my life who love me and help me to be better than I am.

If you're reading this, you're probably one of those people.  Thank you for supporting me and reminding me that even though I still live by myself, I'm never truly alone.

What I know for sure

I know that Gillette Venus razors are the best womens razors out there.

I know that having hope for the future feels so much better than being hopeless and crabby about what I don't yet have.

I know that road trips are, in fact, completely possible without Peanut M&Ms.  Alternatively, I know that road trips are not at all possible without Diet Coke.

I know I will always cry when in "You've Got Mail," Kathleen Kelly closes her store and then pictures herself and her mother twirling.  Seriously.  I bawl every single time. (Wish I could have found a picture but had to settle for this one.  Love the lily of the valley bouquet.)

I know I will always do or say thoughtless things (and I will always be sorry and will always try to do better.)

I know that getting pre-birthday flowers shaped like a cupcake will make anyone smile - especially since this darling cupcake doesn't count against my daily point allowance.

I know prayers are heard and answered by our Father in Heaven.  All. The. Time.

I know I love each one of these girls (five of my fabulous 2nd YCLs from last year) and I love that they like hanging out with me.  I also know that each one is seriously adorable.  Seriously.

How to Tuesday: Meet a blogger you adore!

Today's how-to Tuesday (see Stie's blog for more good advice) will teach you how to go about meeting a blogger you've admired from afar...anyone can do it, really.

Step 1.

Leave your house and go somewhere away from where you actually live.  (I went to the eastern side of my state this weekend for a dear friend's surprise birthday party.)

Step 2.

Think about who you know in the blogosphere who might live near where you're traveling.  (I thought of Jessica, a blogger whom I adore....you know her right?  She's that beautiful girl with the darling and hilarious kids and the super sweet and very tidy husband.  Of course you know who I'm talking about.)

Step 3.

Send said blogger an email asking if she'd happen to be around during the narrow little window of time when you'll be in her town.  (Seriously, I gave her like a 24 hour period of availability.)

Step 4.

Cheer loudly when you read the email she writes back saying she'd love to meet and would I like to come have lunch at her house with the aforementioned kids and husband. (Seriously, have you SEEN the barf training video?  How could you not want to meet the kids and husband after that little cinematic treat?!?)

Step 5.

Leave your house, drive east for a few hours, check into a so-so hotel, go to a fun party, return to the hotel, sleep, wake up, have a fun breakfast and more visiting time with the birthday girl you just celebrated the night before, then drive 30 more minutes to the home of the beloved blogger.

Step 6.

Panic a little when you get about a block away from the blogger's house.  Say to yourself "why did I think she'd ever want to meet me? Is it too late to back out?  I'm a total dork.  What if she hates me and we have nothing to talk about?"

Step 7.

Tell yourself to snap out of it, park the car, knock on the door, loving and smiling at the sound of the five adorable children running around inside.

Step 8.

Hug the blogger.  Go inside.  Start talking and then try not to act so surprised when she mentions things about you that she remembers from reading your blog.  (Seriously.  Actual people read my blog!)

Step 9.

Eat a delicious meal (still waiting for that recipe, missy) enjoy the darling family, talk like you've been friends forever.  Try not to wish out loud that we could be in the same ward.

Step 10.

Take pictures.  Hug.  Say goodbye.

It's seems totally easy now that I've laid out the steps for you, right? 

Dear Jessica, Ryan, Emma, Gabe, Jane, Seth and Faith -- I loved meeting you this weekend.  Thank you for making me feel so welcome in your home.  Can't wait to see you again sometime!

My momma

I have the best mother ever.

I came home from my little trip this weekend to find the pots on my patio filled with flowers. She loves me and still takes such good care of me even though I am eight days away from turning 44 and can pretty much take care of myself.

She's fun, she's sweet, she's smart and the best worker I've ever known. Anytime I need something bought, baked, sewn, cleaned or fixed, she will do it for me.

I feel like everyone who reads my blog knows that I'm adopted but in case you didn't know, well, I'm adopted. Shortly after they married, my mom and dad decided they wanted a little girl so they called an attorney and voila, they got me.

I've never felt an urge to find out who my birth parents are because I know with everything that I am that I am exactly where I'm supposed to be. 

The mom I have is the only mom I've ever wanted and I will be forever grateful that she chose to adopt me.