faith, family, and relief

I was surprised with how direct the messages were last night at the Relief Society broadcast. You all know what I'm talking about. We have probably all giggled at how the women of the church address us. But I was moved last night.

Sister Beck, the new General Relief Society President gave a wonderful talk about remaining strong and immovable. She said the Relief Society members are the best women in the world to provide relief to others. We can 'lift up and enlighten'. I know I have not done my part, but when I do find areas where I can help, even just a little, I have felt reassured with how wonderful the work is. She told us that the greatest work still lies ahead.

When she said 'the greatest work', I took it to mean, the most difficult, the most challenging, and also the most rewarding. As the world prepares for that great day, it will need a full-scale relief effort.

What a way to rally the troops, even if it means we just do our part more willingly in our tiny little families.

"There is a better way than the way of the world."

5 things tag

My cousin Christina tagged me a couple of days ago, so here it is:

1. What I was doing ten years ago:
I was just about to go into Young Womens, so I was probably sitting in Primary as the oldest one there, hating it. I got to play the piano though, so it made it all worth it. Also, I was in 6th grade, which was the year I had big gold circle glasses and went to Mexico with my friend Marcy. I had been playing tennis for a couple years, so I probably had a couple of tournaments. My parents said I was too nice, so I would lose on purpose... I don't know about that.

2. Five years ago:
Almost 16, so I was driving my mom around with my learner's permit in our suburban. My parents had me learn on a truck when I was 14, so I guess it was no big deal. I was crushing on Mitch Smith, who later was neighbors with Brittany and Christina. But he didn't turn 16 for another 7 months or so, it was sad! I was a sophmore in high school, and was becoming fast friends with Corin Thomas because my great friend from elementary had transferred schools!

3. One year ago:
Mark and I were living in Del Rio, and he was in Pilot Training, I was taking online classes (2 at a time). I was called to the primary presidency and it was about this time we adopted little Buckwheat.

4. Yesterday, September 27, 2007:
was spent relaxing for most of the day and enjoying Mark's company. We went to the track on base where we tried in vain to tire Buckwheat out. After I made stir-fry veggies and added too much cayenne pepper. Needless to say, our sinuses are extremely clear today.

5. 5 things I would do if I suddenly had $100 million:
wow. that's a lot of money! Buy me and mark a horse and a range. Travel everywhere I have a green dot on my map. Buy a nice camera. Give to charities (or our church). Save!

6. 5 locations I would like to run away to:
Fiji, Namibia or the Congo (Africa in general), Paris, Fernando de Naronha (Brazilian island), Mumbai (India)

7. 5 bad habits I have:
waiting until nighttime to do homework (I feel bad that mark's home and I have to do homework!), screening my phone calls, reading for entertainment (it's like watching tv for hours and hours on end), dreaming too much (don't really have control over that, but still), eating because I need to be chewing and tasting something at all times

8. 5 things I like doing:
horse back riding, reading, watching movies when Mark goes to bed, snacking, and showering

9. 5 Tv shows I like:
Even Stevens, Gilmore Girls, Alias (yes I watch the dvds for the previous two), 6 Degrees, Brothers & Sisters

10. 5 things I hate doing:
blow-drying my hair, folding laundry, homework (most of the time), going to a movie with loud people, killing bugs

11. 5 biggest joys at the moment:
taking pictures, watching Mark play with Buckwheat, talking to my mom and dad, thinking about Christmas, and Mark cracking me up

5 people I tag:
Mauri (a day in the life),
Holly (Curt & Holly Smith),
Aubrey (Aubrey Annie),
Beth (air borne Bernards),
Marie (three little redheads)

new banner

I was driving Mark crazy with how many pictures I was taking on our walk yesterday, so I thought I better do something with them! Hope you like it as much as I do. Yes, this is a weed too. What is it with me and all these pretty weeds?

just a weed

When I am in the country I wish to vegetate like the country -William Hazlitt, Table Talk

Just a little weed that grows in the grass here. There are thousands of these tiny things around our apartments.

a first

Fashion is ever changing, and once there is a style I like, I've decided I want to be a bit more risky and jump on board. One of these trends has been skinny jeans. I don't know if its the 'edgier' look they give, or if I just think they're more comfortable.

There is a saying that fashion travels from the East Coast to the West Coast, giving Europe the appropriate recognition in our clothing inspirations. I'll say I'm in the middle of the country, so I had to wait a while to see if I was really into the jeans or not.

My sister and I tell my mom to stop wearing the jeans that are tight around the ankle, and then what do we do? Go get some jeans that are tight around the ankle. Fashion... or at least what we think is fashionable. What a circle of life.

I had a great picture of me wearing these skinny jeans. Mark took it for me when we were on a walk last week at night time. I was standing in front of a path-light so you could really only see the profile and my shoes. It was pretty artsy-fartsy. Then my computer was shut off poorly and I hadn't backed up those pictures yet, and they were gone. are gone.

Here is a make-shift picture, until I can replace it with a better one. I just had to share a new pair of jeans; a girl's gotta do what she's gotta do.

Buffalo and Cobbler

We got to explore a bit of our surroundings today. We drove about 40 miles east to a Nature Preserve where there are Buffalo, Longhorn cattle, and Elk that roam free. It was a beautiful, warm day and I saw a lot of grass that I was so excited thinking that it was wheat, until Mark said "nope". I think that the fields of wheat have already been harvested. too bad.

At first I was surprised at the realization, "Buffalo?? here?? in Oklahoma??" well, I guess this was where they roamed free before the White Man killed them all for their skins, right? I only thought they were in Montana or Wyoming in Yellowstone National Park. While we were hearing about the 'wild' Buffalo in this preserve, we heard about Hamburger Heaven! If you know me and my love for Cheeseburgers, you can understand why I was thrilled. I actually found a short clip (click here to see it) that shows the passionate Longhorn Cattle farmer who owns the restaurant explain why his burgers are the best. and here's a fun fact: the table that the cowboys are sitting at is the exact table Mark and I sat at today!

When we got to Meers Restaurant, we waited 30 minutes outside because the line was literally out the door. But boy was it worth the wait. While in line there were lots of 'bikers' who were making fun of some bikes, then oo-ing and aw-ing at others. Come to find out the one who was behind us, she was a Cattle Transporter (she drove cows, longhorns, and bison to the traders) She said, "It's not a prissy girl's job" and gave a nice warm smile. While we were enjoying our famous Meer's Cheeseburger with our tall Mason Jars of lemon water, we heard stories of a dog that was the size of an Apaloosa who ate 16 lbs of dog food a day. I have decided story telling is an art form left to those who can exaggerate without a twinkle of sarcasm. After our impeccable burgers, we enjoyed their famous Peach Cobbler. With the soft homemade vanilla ice-cream, every bite was as yummy as the first. I took a picture, but I could not take one that could do the taste justice. It was good home-cookin' and we were lucky to have experienced it!

cotton

There are cotton fields here. Many of them, in fact, and there's something old-Americana about it, but not in the Cotton Eye Joe sort of way. The cotton here isn't yet ready for harvest. I'm anxious to see how that happens though. I'm wondering if the farmers stop watering the plants and let them die so the cotton balls are easier to pick, or if it really is just a seasonal plant that can't survive past September so it just dries up. Anyone really know?

A couple of days ago I needed some cotton balls to take off some nail polish. Mark had the car, so I texted him quickly to ask if he would pick some up on his way home from work. He half expected me to just go pick a couple cotton balls myself and use them. He was only kidding, because that would mean we advocate stealing, right? naaah, so instead of picking some cotton balls au natural, I decided to just snap some pictures. These aren't that great, (it was pretty windy) so these probably won't be the last. I'm already looking forward to the harvest season.

Reeder's Digest

We have arrived in Oklahoma! If you look at the south west corner of Oklahoma, you can see Altus, and this is where we will be for the next 4 months before we go to Alaska. We drove in late on Tuesday night (the same day as the Formal Goodbye at Leslie's House) after a 7 and 1/2 hour drive from Del Rio to Altus, Oklahoma.

We got in and stayed at a fun little place called Friendship Inn. It took dogs for $10 extra per night. The carpet was really soft if you were willing to take your shoes off, and after we picked up all the dead or dying bugs off the floor, it was quite nice.

We woke up Wednesday and went apartment hunting. Our prayers were answered! We show up to an apartment complex that didn't have anything when I talked to them before and they just opened up a one bedroom furnished apartment on the bottom floor with yard access. It really just fell into our lap and all the sudden we had a silver spoon in our mouths.

Everything is working out swell.. except one thing. Buckwheat has been having a very rough couple of days. Yesterday he couldn't walk b/c of two shots the vet gave him, and today he hasn't been able to keep anything down. I'm worried! Here's a picture of Mr. Igor yesterday holding a "get-well-treat" from a new neighbor:

On an up-side, Altus is a beautiful town. There are cotton fields behind and in front of our apartment, and there's a Christmas Tree Farm 6 miles away. It's charming! Pictures will come soon.

Tribute to Texas

Since we are now in Oklahoma, I wanted to have one last post for Texas. Here are some of the things that happened during our year's stay:

::Mark turned 25 (Aug. 16 '06)
::Celebrated our first Thanksgiving together (Nov. '06)
::I turned 21 (Nov. 13 '06)
::We found and adopted little Buckwheat (Oct. '06)
::It SNOWED in Del Rio (Jan.)
::Celebrated our first year of marriage (Feb. '07)
::Mark is pronounced an official pilot (July '07)
::We visited the Alamo and saw a lock of Davey Crocket's hair. it was strawberry blonde if you must know (many times throughout the year '06-'07)
::Mark got his civilian's pilots license (Aug. '07)
::Mark turned 26 (Aug. 16 '07)
::I finally learned how to use a digital camera's settings (Aug. ... this year)

This is my blog tribute to the fabulous state of Texas. It was a beautiful, historical, and enthralling adventure that I am proud to have encountered. These are are just a few (too many!) pictures that will always remind me of Texas:

This is the speeding train that passes outside of Base 2-3 times a day. One of my life aspirations is to someday meet a train conductor. I've meet all sorts of people but never a train conductor!! They're pretty elusive.

A submerged tree at Lake Amistad. I never am not amazed when I see a tree under water like this. And I loved the sparkling water, so there you have it.

In Southern Texas, when you look into the brush, there are so many little cacti like this one. I don't know how the deer can walk around it like they do without bleeding everywhere. It's beautiful cactus, but yikes.

When I was taking some photos of the Reed's backyard field, I saw this little old coccoon and it reminded me of ALL the bugs and butterflies here in Texas. I don't know what crawls out of this little space, but it will reminds me of Texas.

As it is in Utah around spring/summer time, hundreds and thousands of wild sunflowers bloom all along side the highways. The summer was beginning to dry out when I decided I better take a picture of one, so that is why there are other 'pedal-less' ones around this bloomer.

I don't know what kind of grass this is, but even if it IS a type of wheat, you need to know it WAS taken in Texas... whatever it may or may not be. I loved the white grain against the blue sky!! Like all the country songs say, Texas does have the biggest sky I've ever seen.

The seasons are just BARELY changing in Texas, but this leaf was caught in the gate when I was giving Buckwheat a haircut and I felt sorry for it. If you can feel sorry for a little leaf. I probably would have pressed it, but it was already brittle.

Here is one of the last views I had of Texas. This was snapped on our drive from Del Rio, TX to Altus, OK. This was in part of the southern Hill Country. It was picturesque. So long, Texas!

A Formal Goodbye

The night of the ogre party, I was saying goodbye to a couple girls who were there and Leslie said, "wait! you're leaving?" (she's the one in the middle above). I guess my uncontrollable crying in church a couple of weeks ago during Fast & Testimony Meeting, when I said I was leaving in one more week, passed over the heads of more people than I thought. My cry-voice must need some work. So right then and there, Leslie, Nichole, and Cheris decided I needed a formal Going Away Party. I was so surprised, and thrilled! I said they shouldn't because I was just a student spouse, and usually that sort of thing is held only in honor of IP wives! I was so excited, as you could guess. The next morning, the two hours before we left Del Rio, were spent in the presense of my close Del Rio friends and nieghbors. It was an honor to have so many show up and say their final farewells with a kiss on each cheek.

Sorry again to all of you to whom these pictures don't mean much. Just skip them and wait for my next post.

Nichole H. (who helped in the planning of this Goodbye), yours truly, Chelsea L. (who would you believe just had a baby!?) and Mary Ann A. who just donated her long locks to Locks of Love.

This one looks totally posed. and it was.. excuse the finger, I can't remember who took this one. Nichole, I think it was you!! haha bloopers of film, I suppose! Here is me, Nicole Q., and Christina G.; Nicole and Josh will meet us up in Alaska in February. SO exciting!

This one's for you, Marie! I cropped it so you couldn't tell I was *sshhhh* bending over. Now it just looks like I'm a hunchback. I'd have kept the original, cuter one, but I had to keep my promise of cropping it. haha! you're hilarious. Marie has been my visiting teacher this past year!

Parties with these girls means lots of good home cookin! Notice the rice-crispy turrets from the birthday cake the night before! And all the yummy fruit, doughnuts, and breakfast casseroles. I am one lucky girl to call all these gourmet chefs, friends!

Here's a yummy close-up:

On the left is Jessica S. from the primary picture, and on the right is Erin U. who's due date was a few days ago. Her little girl is going strong!

Here is me and Holly with her baby Cameron. Do you recognize her from the baptismal pictures? See what I mean about time flying??

And lastly, here is me with Kathryn, Christina, and Cheris! Right after this picture was taken, Cheris jumped across the people and said, "Oh! that was my bad side!" yeaaah right. :D

Thank you girls!! I will always remember all the fun we had on the border. :D You will all be missed. Maybe the world will turn in our favor and we'll see eachother again!

Beware of Ogres

Monday night, the eve of leaving Del Rio, Mark and I went to a little girl's birthday party. This little girl, Sydney, loves the movie Shrek with Princess Fiona and Donkey. SO much so, that her mother fashioned her adorable party around this fun-filled movie. When we walked in with our ogre-appropriate gift, we were dawned with ogre-head bands, ogre-head balloons, and a strawberry Castle cake with rice-crispy turrets, ice-cream cone spires, and gumdrops for stone edging. It looked like something out of the game Candy Land! To say the least, I was VERY impressed. Take a look at Sydney! She couldn't unglue her eyes from the beautiful and oh-so-delicious-looking cake!

Did you catch what I said about our 'ogre-appropriate' gift? well, if you can look closely enough to see what Tony has in his hands, you may be able to laugh along side what Mark thought to be the best gift you could ever give a two-year old girl: a whoopie cushion.

So Long, Farewell...auf weidersehen, adieu!

This weekend has been full of goodbyes! It's bitter-sweet to say goodbyes to favorite friends and still be excited to continue with our adventure. Last night there was a babyshower for my visiting-teaching companion, so I grabbed as many pictures as I could. And then today, I had to say goodbye to my two callings (Branch Pianist and Primary Pres. 1st Counselor). For my fellow Del Rio 2nd Branch bloggers, here are some of the pictures!

Liz Ann - I'm going to miss you, your humor AND your southern twang.

Here is me, Larissa, and Jenni with her little guy Chase. I visit taught Jenni this past year and dog-sat her cute dog River.

Here is me and "the new gal" Cheris - she is SOOO much fun. I wish I had more time with you, Cheris!


Here I am in the middle. I jumped in between these two Beauties. On the left is Rachael and on my right is Nichole. Rachael has been friends with Mark since the Academy and it has been SO much fun getting to know her, Dan, and Macy!

Here's me with Mary-Ann, holding Cameron (my neighbor's newborn) and Beth! Beth and I served a bit in primary together, and she has one amAZing voice and is SO sweet. Beth it was too shortlived!

Here is me with the guest of honor! Me with Valancy (Val). She was my visiting teaching companion all year and taught me so much.

Half of the group: starting from left is me, Angela below me, Cheris, Nichole holding Adalyn, and Crista (Ady's mom).

Today after primary, I we snapped this picture. Sorry about the 'over-exposed look', I had it on the wrong camera setting still. This is me, 1st counselor, Jessica S., 2nd Counselor, and the woman with the power, Kathryn (Primay Pres.) I'll miss these two tremendously. What great women!!

Here is Kathryn's husband, Trigger (yes! like the famous horse, though he made it clear, he was not named FOR/after the horse), and his son Trigger (the junior). Trigg junior is 6 years old and just read the Book of Mormon in TWO months! He wanted to be sure he was beating me and Mark every Sunday so he'd come up and poke us and ask, "Where are you in the Book of Mormon?" He's a wonderful little kid.

And because we love their kids SO much. Here is one with Mark and I with Trigger and Victoria. Trigger taught me how to teach Settlers of Catan and wanted me to play it every week with him thereafter.

A Mighty Change of Hair

Hair cuts here, hair cuts there, hair cuts everywhere! In the past 4 weeks, Mark, me, and Buckwheat have all gotten hair cuts. The first was Mark's hair cut, as you may remember from the entry titled "Mark's Last Supper". Then I got a haircut, which I did not mention on here because it was a surprise for Mark, here is a picture of my haircut the night I got it (sorry my eyes are different sizes in this picture!..yep, sorry I just made you look.)

Then there is Buckwheat. I always worry when it comes to cutting his hair because I cut it with sissors! It's hard to cut a whole little body of fur and trying to make it even. My goodness, maybe I should go hair school. Also, whenever dogs you love get hair cuts, you worry about their essense being cut off with their hair!! The dog I had growing up (Tapper), whenever she would come home from the groomers, I would do my "Tapper Test" to see if she was the same dog and they didn't just give me a skinnier dog. It probably sounds silly, but it's better if you see the process/haircut...then you see the change as it happens and you know for certain there was no kennel switcheroo. Before I got started, I took a before shot: (aka: The Great Depression, dog migrant picture)

and an after shot. Mark wanted to see what he looked like without the schnauzer beard, so I chopped it... and Mark misses Buckwheat's essense. Fortunately, he's still plain adorable.

Texas

To remember all the places I am going to live, I decided on a 'method of remembrance' to help me along this journalogical path. This method involves me, my camera, a li'l bit 'o luck and some nice light. I have always loved to take pictures. Although I wouldn't put any gambles on my talent of photography, I still like to think I can recognize something pretty. These somethings pretty are what I hope to photograph wherever we live. There will always be something unique about the places we call home, and I thought it would be nice to take some pictures (good enough to frame? we'll decide that one later).

I have babysat this entire year for a family off base. The mother of this family has an exquisite home that feels very comfortable when you walk through her doors. She has an English Pointer hound (a slightly overfed girl named "Lady") with warm green eyes greeting you in the foyer of her Mexican architecturally styled home with English Country decor. Sounds like quite a mix, eh? She pulls it off very nicely. Around her home there are fields of tall grass and other country homes that resemble more of the age of Mark Twain. I was always captivated by the scenery around this beautiful home (both inside and out). As the summer progressed, the grass grew taller and as the sun was setting last night, I stepped outside while the 4 children were playing with toys inside, and snapped some pictures of the old wishing? well they have in their yard nearest this grassy field I love so much.

Reeder's Digest

Well we are all packed up and waiting for Tuesday to come. That is when we'll be setting off for "OOOOklahoma where the winds come rolling through the plains". Moving is surreal. It's almost refreshing to not have furniture to worry about right now. I think that's only because I'm just glad the packing up and shipping out part is already done for our things. They'll be in Alaska before we will! We're just hoping the ship they're on doesn't sink. We sure had a lot of "stuff": substitution for Mark's other word that didn't exactly describe all our furniture!

Meanwhile, I am taking this time to enjoy the serenity of Del Rio! Fortuately, the library has a good selection of books because all of mine have been packed up and shipped with the rest of our things.

Before we have our "Final-Out" inspection, we'll have to finish wiping all the windows, and repaint a few walls. Other than that, we're just enjoying the last few days we have here in Del Rio, Texas!