Thursday, February 26, 2009

"A grandmother is a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, and a little bit best friend." ~Author Unknown







My 90 yr. old Grandmother, Dorothy Jean West passed away Tuesday afternoon, for the last few months she had been in and out of the hospital and her health had been pretty poor for the last few years, but even towards the end when her breathing became more and more labored she still managed to make us all laugh and smile with the wit and charm that we loved so much about her.





Last Friday my Aunt Kim sent the word out that Grandma had taken a turn for the worse and so we all gathered together as a family to get in as many precious moments as we could before she left us.





At dinner Friday night Kim told me if I had any final things I wanted to say to Grandma I should go now while I had the chance and as I walked down that hallway to her apartment a heavy feeling of anxiety came over me, because I thought to myself what can I possibly say that will sum up the love and gratitude that I feel towards this woman who has taught me so many things and given me so many wonderful memories. So I said a little prayer for help in knowing what to say. I went inside her apartment and sat down by her bed I told her it was me and then all I could think of was to just say "I Love You" and she hesitated for a minute (I assume to catch her breath), then I heard her mutter "I love you. . . .more then my luggage".






Now for those of you who don't know that's a line from "Steel Magnolias", which just so happens to be my favorite movie, and that's a quote I use all the time especially with my sister, but my Grandma always thought it was cute we said that to each other so she used it too, and it was at that moment when she uttered those words that I knew that was all that needed to be said, she knew I loved her, and I know she loved me. Grandma's Pastor, Paul, was in the room playing her some hymns on his guitar and we sang a couple together and then I left so that someone else could have a chance to speak with her, and as I shut the door she called out one more time "more then my luggage", I just kinda broke down in the hallway after that and gave thanks to my Heavenly Father for blessing my Grandma with enough clarity of mind so that we could share a moment, I guess I didn't need to prepare a whole monologue listing off everything I was thankful for that she did for me. It's funny how so much love can be expressed in so few words.




My Grandma West was a very special person and I wish their was someway for me to really communicate that to all of you, it's like words can't describe how wonderful she was. She was one of those people that made everyone in her presence feel like they where of worth. She doesn't have a Grandchild that wouldn't claim to be her favorite. I don't know how she managed make each of us girls (pictured below) feel so special, but she did and it's my prayer that we can carry on that legacy.




Pictured from L to R starting in the back My Cousins Amanda, Rachel, Stacie, and my sister Amy. Then my cousin Alicia, Grandma, Me and Donna. This as well as the next few shots where taken at her 90th birthday party this past September.














These pictures where taken about two weeks ago at my Cousin Cecilia's funeral, it's rare Grandma felt well enough to travel in town let alone to Wenatchee where the funeral was, but the trip went well and she was so grateful she got to go and my Mom and I had fun laughing at her put my Dad in his place when he was trying to maneuver her wheelchair. She's pictured here first with my cousin Molly (Cecilia's Daughter) and then next with Molly again, my father, me, and my Aunt Kim.

Man I'm really gonna miss that bright smilingly face of hers!







"We should all have one person who knows how to bless us despite the evidence, Grandmother was that person to me." ~Phyllis Theroux

Friday, February 20, 2009

"Yo, Tell me what ya want what ya really really want?"- Spice Girls

SO like a week ago I just so happened to be one of the 1st ones to comment on Lindsey Bates blog and I do believe that qualified me to get a special something, something from her in the near future, the catch is I must do it myself, here on my mine!







So. . . . .







First five people to comment on this post will get a special package with cool and fun stuff inside, so leave me your name, address, and some of your favorite things like candy, music, and collectables and I will surely sometime in the next few months send something your way! Just for being such a loyal follower of my silly little blog!








and for those that don't make the cut here are some pictures I created just for funsies on this fun site called faceinhole.com!









Enjoy!




















































Don't worry my dears there are plenty more of these in store!
Peace Out!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

"Extra, Extra, hey look at the Headlines Historical news is being made!"- Gypsy

I can't believe for over a whole week I've had exciting news, and I've waited this long to tell you. . . . what a crazy face!


So. . . .it's about that time for our Stake to put on another show, you might remember last year we did "Joseph and the Amazing Techni-Color Dreamcoat".


Well this year the production of choice is none other then. . . . . .








The Broadway version or course, but Beauty and the Beast none the less!

Now originally when I heard wind of what show we might do, I told everyone I was dying to be Mrs. Potts, but when it came down to auditions my heart just wasn't in it!




mainly because I fell in love with this role. . . . . .


MADAME DE LA GRANDE BOUCHE


aka "The Wardrobe"

The name Translates to be something like "Lady of the Big Mouth" and she is the Opera singing snotty Diva of the show, and guess who gets to play her?. . . . This Girl!!!!!

Now I may not have as elaborate of an outfit as some of these, but either way I get to dress up as a closet and that is probably the coolest thing to happen to me this year thus far!

We open April 15-17th, so if you are in the area come and check it out, we just started rehearsels last week, but I have a feeling by April we are gonna have a rockin' show!

I'm seriously so excited, and I'm really thankful that all the judges decided to take a chance on me even though I'm totally not an Opera singer! And don't worry Jasmine Turner is playing Mrs. Potts, so the role is in good hands!

Peace Out!

Monday, February 16, 2009

"There is a bit of insanity in dancing that does everybody a great deal of good." ~Edwin Denby

Last week I had not one but two Valentine's Day dances to attend, one was for ASB at Big Bend, (Thursday night), and Saturday was the Singles Ward "Grow Old With You" themed dance that I mentioned in my last post, and here are some of my favorite shots from both nights!



This is me Channeling Lady Ga Ga. . . .these are also Angie's favorite pair of glasses I own (Can you hear the sarcasm?)



Maybe you should take a second for your eyes to recover!
Me, Rhoan Ashby, and Kayla Chamberlain. . . . big things poppin'



Brandon Platt is an L 7 Weenie!



Brady Coulston was my gay Best Friend for the evening, (Just jokes. . . his wife was out of town!)

Brady says "Peace!"



Wait a minute ladies, i thought we where doing the Charlies Angel's thing?



Me and Rhenny Poo doing what we do best and taking pictures of ourselves!





We had about 50 students (including ASB People) show up to the dance which is actually a good turn out and much better then we expected! Fun People and Fun Times. . . .good thing I had those glasses huh? because they where a hit!!!!



I was telling Sis. Payne yesterday that the reason I love themed parties and dances is because for some reason when people are in costume they loose all inhibition, they suddenly are not as concerned about what people think and especially in the case of our dances they get their groove on a lot more. Now even though the senior citizen theme doesn't exactly correlate with Valentine's Day so much, it was an idea I'd been tossing around for a while and figured it's probably now or never, and I've been hearing that people enjoyed themselves and I certainly had a good time getting dressed up for it, and really isn't that all that matters?



This is me Channeling Granny Smith/Yente the matchmaker





Mitch and Dana had just come from supporting the Big Bend Basketball teams, so forgive them for not dressing up!





You know Whitney Smith is gonna be a Hot Gramma. . . ."Welcome to the Cougar Den!"



Casey wins the prize for best outfit, and best Old man Face!




Alyssa and Amanda Bennett! Alyssa gets made props from me for her sick blazer and Amanda gets a Holla for looking like my Grandma Schaat!




Ellrey is someone I can always "Depends" on!




Takin' pictures really takes a lot out of her!



Ah Riley and Ellisha! how perfect do these two look?


Grumpy Old Men!


Grumpier Old Men!





Lindsey Gilbert actually raided her G-Ma's closet! I myself raided my own!







"According to them Flat bellied experts I shoulda taken a dirt nap. . . . like 40 yrs. ago!"



This is Me and Nette in a few yrs.







"Excuse Me Sonny!"




OK I lied Brandon gets the prize for best Old man face!



"join us Next week when Our guest will Albert Einstein. . . what's that?. . . well I've just been informed Albert Einstein's been dead for 40 yrs.. . . oh well we'll try to get him anyway!"



This is a horrible shot, you can blame Zach!:) But I wanted a group shot of the people that dressed up! Oh well!

I hope you all got as much enjoyment out of these moments as I had creating theme. . .

Ok that's it Peace Out!!!!



Friday, February 13, 2009

". . . my gift is my song and this one's for you"- Elton John

OK just so that Tameka and Piper and whoever else who might have been too afraid to comment on my anti -love song post, don't think I'm a total Valentine's day Scrooge I have come up with this little list to counter balance the other, I hope that post didn't give you all the wrong impression, It was meant to be funny and sarcastic, but maybe not my finest attempt! Anyway, I have no intention of sitting home Saturday, I have a singles ward dance to DJ, and I don't even think they make bon bons anymore so those fake plans aren't even really possible!

All of you who have Romantic shenanigans planned with that special someone tomorrow, you may want to light some candles, turn the lights down low, and set the mood with these greatest love songs according to Emily!

If you are a soft rock fan may I suggest. . . .

1. The Best of Times- Styx

Simply put. . . ."The Best of times, are when I'm alone with you!"

isn't that tender?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHmilMMZd8A

2. Into the Mystic- Van Morrison

"I Wanna Rock Your Gypsy Soul!" I don't know what that means but it sounds romantic. . . .right?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6FPsRk-HHE

PS, not the best cover, but Van was no where to be found on YouTube, I suggest you find a way to hear the original!

3. I'll stand By You- The Pretenders

"nothing You Confess, could make me love you less!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABGPMw_ir08


4. Trouble- Ray Lamontagne

". . . Well I've been, saved by a woman!"

I ask you. . . what girl wouldn't want this song sung to her?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIf7rHyP9M4


5. Arms of a Woman- Amos Lee

"thousand miles from the place I was born, when she wakes me, she takes me back home!"

I don't understand why this guy isn't more famous, Amos Lee sings to my heart!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5hPVqPMywc



Or Perhaps you can only Celebrate your love with one genre and one genre only and that's R&B

well have I got a list for you. . . .watch out folks it's "Baby Makin'" Music Time!


1.Song For You- Donnie Hathaway


". . . But we're alone now, and I'm singing this song to you!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBlPkamL6Cc

This was the best cover I could find! But trust me the original is a gem!

2. A House is Not a Home- Luther Vandross

"I'm not meant to live alone, turn this house into a home. When I climb the stairs and turn the key Oh, please be there, sayin' that you're still in love with me!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nOA9Fw8AZI


3. Untitled (How Does it Feel)- D' Angelo

I can only really make out three or four words in this song, but who cares. . . .D'Angelo's voice is sooooo fly! This song is probably my most favorite!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ULZuCK_fgo


4. I'll Make Love to You- Boyz II Men


Boyz II Men always keep it classy!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqU2WXKcUb0



5. Whenever, Wherever, Whatever- Maxwell

"And if there's a thing that you need, I'd give you breath that I breathe!"

What can I say I'm a sucker for Falsetto!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW_L69tyj0M




So Happy Valentine's day to one and all!

and of course. . . Peace Out!!!!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

"I know I'm an acquired taste: I'm anchovies. And not everyone wants those. . .If I was potato chips, I could go more places." -Tori Amos

Everyday for the past 2 weeks I've recieved a notice from facebook saying someone has mentioned me in their note on their profile, and I think cool someone mentioned something about me, and everytime I get nothing. . . . no mention at all, why would Facebook tease me so! Why not just tell me someone posted a note and wants me to do it too! Instead of getting my hopes up!









So to make up for it, I'm doing my own top 25 most important things to know about me and posting it as a note on facebook, but I'm not tagging anyone, so they don't get torchured like I did!






25.Pink is not my favorite color although my cell phone, camera and ipod cover would suggest other wise!













24. I quote something I saw on Saturday Night Live almost everyday, and almost always no one knows what I'm talking about and it makes me sad!






23. I want a Gospel Choir to sing "Oh Happy Day" at my funeral






22. My foot measures to be a size 8, but because my feet are so wide I've been wearing a size ten for about 10 years now! I like my shoes and my trailors the same way. . . .double wide! (have I told this story already?)






21. I love leftovers! I think they taste better! Cold Italian, Mexican, and Chinese food is the best!!!


20. Forget Air Guitar, I love to create my own "Air Band"! My personal favorite is the drums, Angie's favorite is the Keytar, here's video of me and the ladies getting our air band on, on a road trip to Utah we took last year!






19. The only time in my life I didn't wanna be famous was when I was in 4th grade and I thought I wanted to be a teacher. . . boy what a silly girl I was! :)




18. I'm not allergic to anything, but a few times when I was 14 something made my lips swell and for a while my Mom thought I was allergic to packaged salad! It's still remains a mystery what caused me to look like I had bad collagen injections!



17. This is the face I make in almost every picture, I don't like the way my top lip disappears when I smile normally, and I feel this face personifies me best.




16. For the last 2 or 3 yrs. I've become accostomed to only chewing half a stick of gum at a time to make the package last longer, but I usually just end up with a ton of halvsies at the bottom of my purse!






15. I love doing my hair and putting on make-up, it's my favorite part of my daily routine!









14. I'm addicted to fruity drinks! I love makin' em, and I love drinkin' em!



13. Once a 300 lb drunk man sat on my lap at a bar and all Angie and Michelle (or was it Nette) did was laugh at me, and I still find it very upsetting that they didn't come to my rescue! :)




12. I hope belts, scarves, and leggings never go out of style!


11. I've never really had a thing for bad boys! I've always loved the nice guy!




10. I love toys! Gwenny gave me these hulk smash gloves for Christmas, and I have absolutley no use for them, but I love them, and usually when people give me useless toys that I'm way too old for I get all giddy inside!




9. I have a hard time looking people in the eye. . . .it's almost too personal for me!


8. If I could wear fake eyelashes, a wig, and something sparkly every day. . . . I totally would!


7. Say what you will about old country singers, but I have a huge place in my heart for the Oak Ridge Boys! With hits like "Ya'll Come Back Saloon", "Tryin' to Love two Woman", "It's Gonna Take a lot of Rivers", and probably the most famous "Elvira" You can't deny the awesomeness of this old country boy band!






6. Anything dipped in ranch dressing is a delight. . . . oh except for marchino cherries!


5. On more then one occasion people have said I remind them of Mimi from Drew Carey or Rosie O'donnell and I'm like . . . .why? Because we are all fat and obnoxious, or is it because I'm a troll collecting lesbian. . . . maybe someday I'll know?



4. I often get asked if I have my tongue pierced because of the split down the middle of it!




3. I don't know how to pop my knuckles, or crack my back, and I also cannot whistle to save my life!


2. If I could die and come back as any animal it would be a persian cat, because they're chubby and fluffy and get pampered all day, that's the life!


1. Along the same lines as the air band, my second favorite thing to do when listening to music is interprite the lyrics of a song via hand motions, so when I run out of dance moves, I usually resort to things like this.


and that's enough about me. . . sorry if there are any repeats. . . .this game is hard!

Until next time. . .

Peace Out!