Perception

One day a father of a very wealthy family decided to take his son on a trip to the country. His purpose for this was to show his son how poor people live. Upon their return from the "poor family's house" the father asked his son, "what did you think of this experience?"

His son replies, "It was great Dad!"

The father then asked, "Did you get to see and better understand how poor people live?"

"Oh, yeah, I sure did," replied the son.

"So tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.

The son answered: "I got to see that we only have one dog and they have four. We have a tiny pool in our backyard that only reaches to the garden, and they have a creek that doesn't end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have millions of stars every single night. Our patio reaches out to the front yard and they have the entire horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they all serve one another. We have to buy our food and they grow all of theirs. WE have walls around our property to protect us; they have friends and each other to protect themselves."

Upon hearing this response from his son, the boy's father sat speechless pondering his words.

Then his son added, "Thanks dad for showing me how poor we are."

**The world is what we make of it.**

(This was a story shared in our monthly newsletter from the ward)

Black Friday

I've never ever shopped early on Black Friday. Mike has gone early once or twice and let me sleep. I've thought before that if there was something worth it, I might be willing to try it out. But, I love sleep. I love personal space. And I hate crowds.
Well, this year Mike and I didn't see anything we would want to purchase, especially since we have little purchasing money to consider spending. However, my dad approached us at Thanksgiving. He knew Mike had been shopping on Black Friday before and wanted to know how it all worked. You see, he was interested in getting a laptop for pretty cheap. And it wasn't just any laptop. It was a laptop my mom could have for chemo treatments that can last up to 4 hours. It's a laptop my mom can use when she's tired and play games on or watch movies. It's a laptop my mom can use for saving pictures and videos she'll make for the grandkids.

Anyway, my dad thought he could show up at sale time and get a laptop. We informed him he was quite mistaken. We offered to take care of it so we could surprise my mom and she wouldn't have to wonder why dad was going to Walmart at 1 in the morning.

Thursday night we were at Grandma's in St George. We left at 10 to scope out the Walmart in Hurricane. Mike thought that would be too late, but it turns out NO ONE was in line at all. We were informed tickets were handed out at 3 and laptops were sold at 5. Ok.
We went back to Santa Clara (about 30 mins) and tried to purchase the laptop from walmart.com. We refreshed that stinkin page from 11 -1. I sent Mike to bed and played minesweeper to entertain myself. At 1:30 the laptop showed available. I went to purchase it, but the page had logged Mike out. I usually know his passwords, but in the anxious moment, the ones I was trying weren't working!!! I didn't know what to do, so I ran and woke Mike up. He was delirious, but helpful. We finally got to "buy this item" but were immediately directed to "We're sorry. The item you are trying to purchase is sold out." AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! So close!!!

So, it's about time to head over to Walmart (back another 30 mins) to stand in line. We get over there at about 2:15. We are 8th in line (thank goodness they let us stand INSIDE!). We wait. And wait. And wait. The lady behind us thinks we are friends and keeps getting closer. She's also chewing gum...with her mouth open. At this point, we have no idea how many tickets are available.

At 3, the workers come over and start handing out tickets and tell us the magic number: 15. YES!!! But now we have to wait until 5. The rules are that if you leave the line, you have to give your ticket to a worker and be back in 15 minutes, or the worker gives away your ticket. Oh boy.
We wait. And wait. And wait. The woman behind us still thinks we are friends, is still chewing gum...with her mouth open, and keeps getting closer.

At 5, the laptops come out. We get one, and then have to stand in line to checkout. The guy in front of us either didn't know how to use a credit card or didn't know how to prevent his card from being canceled. 30 minutes after we got the laptop, we were in the car. I was wondering if it was worth it.

Our next stop was Home Depot. They were selling shop vacs, valued at $100 for $20. Since we were up, why not? We stood in there, outside, for 20 minutes. The guys at the front were trying to tell us that the vacs were on the other side of the store and then RAN towards them and shoving as many onto their cart as possible. We got one, but that was weird.At 6:30, Mike and I got back to Dan and Raquel's. I set my alarm for 8. I told my mom I would go shopping with her for another gift for my grandma. I was in town to visit family, so visit family I would. Even if it meant getting 1 and 1/2 hours of sleep.

So, was it worth it? YEEEEESSSSS!!!! A million times YES! My mom is so happy with it and couldn't stop using it after she opened it. (It's a Christmas present, but why get it for chemo when she can't use it at chemo, right?

Will I ever have another reason that will make a similar experience worth it? I have no clue, but probably not.

Breast Cancer Awareness

I can't let October end without a plug for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. All women, whenever they hear it, know they should be doing more to prevent Breast Cancer. I know I do. Of course, I have a reason to worry, more than some others...

My Mom is a survivor. She found out in the summer of 2006 that she had breast cancer. She had found the lump herself, had a biopsy, and was told she had a 9 cm tumor. She found out right before Jeremy came home from his mission and right before Desiree got married. She waited to tell us until we were all together for the wedding in Tahoe. Everyone seemed to have taken it well, but it was waaay difficult for me to hear and comprehend. While in Tahoe, though, we had other things to distract us. When we got back to Provo, I fell apart. For the first couple of months, I really couldn't think of anything else. The first baby blessing I was at after we found out I fell apart big time. Thinking about how my mom might not be at any of my baby's blessings was a nightmare for me.

Time passed, chemo came and went, her hair went, and she survived. After only 6 months of chemo, she was cancer free in December 2006. Her hair came back and she was healthy again and back for a long time. Since then, we have found out that the cancer that took my grandpa was the same genetic strain found in my mom. My mom's cousin, on my grandpa's side, had the same cancer as well. My mom's brother had cancer years ago, but I'm not sure if it was the same strain... My grandpa's dad also died from cancer. Oh, and my other grandpa was diagnosed with cancer a couple years ago as well. (I think my chances of getting cancer sometime in my life are quite high).

Anyway, my mom has recently found out that she's not cancer free anymore. It came back. It's not as bad as it was last time, but that doesn't make it any less stressful. So, she's back on chemo and back in a wig. BUT, she's not letting life pass her by. She spent almost the entire summer with her children and grandbabies, she's back at Desiree's for the third or fourth time. She goes out with friends all the time. She and my dad drive all around San Diego county whenever they have time. She's not letting cancer stop her from doing anything.

The first time, it took me a while to except that she had cancer. Everyone else "knew" she would be ok. It took me a while to feel the same way. This time I think I'm taking it for granted that she did well last time. I don't like to think about what might happen. I just need to focus on today and make sure I don't let life pass either. But, I also need my mom to know that I love her. Sometimes Mike will tell me that I'm turning into my mom. But, that's ok. I don't mind. I like the person my mom is. She's crazy sometimes, and I say that with affection, but I'd like to be like my mom. And my dad needs to know that I love the support he has shown my mom through this time. He has been to every chemo session this time so far and plans on being to every one she has to go to yet. He's a good husband. And a good dad.

Women--you know what you need to do. Cancer can be treated ONLY if found!

Birthday Dinner

It's my birthday today, but I enjoyed my Birthday Dinner yesterday (so I could fully relax, lay back, and enjoy!). I hope everyone has this tradition of either going out to eat wherever you want on your birthday, or making whatever you want. We did growing up, and Mike and I have been continuing the tradition.

The budget's been tight, so we don't go out to eat often. I'd say maybe once every two weeks and we spend less than $5 on the two of us. Did someone say "Dollar Menu!" I chose to make one of my favorite, cheap, easy, calorie rich meals that is soooo delicious!

I open a can of Hormel Tamales, drop them into the pan and unwrap them.

I then open a can of Hormel Chili-No Beans-and spread it around the Tamales.

When it's hot enough, I pour it all into a bowl and spread cheese on top. DELICIOUS! It looks about like this:

By the looks of it, you would think it's not appetizing. But believe me. It's so tasty! And if you would like to know where I got it from, you can talk to my Mom or Dad. I'm not sure which one did it first, but they both love it too. MMMMMMMMMM.

p.s. Just to stop anyone from asking questions, I'm NOT getting paid to advertise!

Totally Random

So, I have to take a class at UVU this semester. I was there tonight, and this girl, who I've never had a conversation with, asked, sweetly and matronly...

"Are you pregnant?"

"Noooo..."

"Oh, not that you look it, but you've got saltines. You definitely don't look pregnant."

"Ah, gotcha."

My Hero

Mike is my knight in shining armor. Not only is he amazing, but he kills spiders for me! See the post below for the worst of all spiders that we have had in our current place. But that's not the first time, and it won't be the last, that he'll kill a spider. All I have to do is call out his name and he comes to my rescue. And most of the time he knows what I'm calling him for based on the tone of my voice. It's amazing!

And, my family already knows this about me, but I HATE and DESPISE and am deathly afraid of spiders. Really. I hate them. My heart pounds, my breathing stops, and all I can think of is how it better not touch me. I have the worst experiences with them too! They'll come out of nowhere and want to eat me. It's dreadful. My parents can attest to this, but I used to have nightmares about spiders and wake up hyperventilating. Luckily I haven't had dreams like that recently. It's probably because I know Mike will always be there to kill them for me. And I know he loves me because he hates spiders just as much as I do. (He just isn't scared of them).

Oh, and as a side note. I got shivers every time I looked at that black widow. Dreadful.

Black Widow

I was talking on the phone when a spider started falling down on a thread from the window sill in our bedroom. At first I grabbed a shoe to smash it, but then I noticed how black it was, so I yelled at Jen to get a container. Further analysis revealed that it was a black widow spider. This is only the second time I've seen one in real life. It's pretty big, about as big as any hobo spiders I've come across. I'm not very happy about it.

I tried to get a picture of the red hourglass on the belly, but the pictures are all too blurry, so here's a some side views. Sorry the photos are blurry, but this is the best I could get.

Just keep swimming

Well, now that Mike has joined, it seems we both have the disease...Not posting. But, it just seems that things have been busy and I rarely have a minute to sit down and even think about what has happened. (Which is really not much--I just keep telling myself to "just keep swimming".)

Now three weeks have passed since I started teaching and they have flown by. I still like it, but there are some definite challenges. My goodness! I gave my first test, to both classes, and some did VERY well. Unfortunately, some did not and brought the average quite low. My cooperating teacher, conveniently, was gone on a tennis tournament so we haven't discussed how it went and what we'll do about it. (I thought the test was easy...) The other challenge is one of my classes before lunch. The attitude that exudes from these particular students is very irritating and difficult to be patient with. I am anxious to try new disciplinary tactics with them, but fear they won't take me and my tactics seriously. I wish I could just place duct tape over their mouths... Regardless, I have a couple ideas. I hope it doesn't get to the point where I have to allow my cooperating teacher to take over. We'll see.

On another note, I finished my grandpa's book. It was FASCINATING! My favorite part was reading about the time they spent in Boston and all the liberal people (members) they met and the different attitude they had regarding church doctrine. My grandpa pointed out that he was asked to teach there because of his staunch conservatism and the hope that it would rub off on the members and the institute students. And boy, did he meet opposition! (For example, my grandma went to Relief Society and it was like a counseling session--anti-priesthood and "here's how we can push our feminist ideas in the church.") Of course, not every one had a passive attitude, but my grandparents often felt that they had to stand up for what was right even during church meetings.

Another aspect of the book that I found very interesting was all the people he's met and influenced. While having his different callings and jobs, he had the opportunity to meet many people that were, or would be, very famous or well-known people--inside and outside the church. While in Boston, his Stake President was Mitt Romney. He was able to meet one of the prophets while in Korea. He had many meetings with men who would eventually become general authorities. After all these people he's met, and the hundreds (maybe up into the thousands) of students he taught, he often asked the question if he made a difference. He would wonder, while writing, if he influenced anyone. How could he not know what a difference he did make? Just by the example he set, and the stories of lives he changed in his book and from those who knew him, I know he made a difference. He touched lives and spirits. He was an example to those with the gospel, and without. Even though he didn't serve a mission when he was 19, his whole life was a mission and he taught more gospel lessons than anyone I know. I'm sure that now he's been able to meet some of those who's lives he's touched, he knows he made a difference.

Two Birds With One Car

It's been a few months since I've written, so this will be a quick overview of my summer.

After moving back to Utah I enrolled in three classes for the second summer block, plus an online class I was already in. I told myself I never wanted to take three classes in one block ever again after I did that last summer, and now I found myself with four classes. It was pretty intense, but I got out with good grades and the knowledge that I never have to take summer classes again.

I went camping at Rigby Lake in Idaho with some friends. I think this was the first time we haven't gone on a midnight swim. This was partly because only one of us remembered to bring a towel and I didn't want to freeze, and partly because I'm a wuss now.

I also managed to kill two birds with my car this summer. They both happened in almost the exact same spot just down the street from our apartment. The first death occurred one day when Jen and I were almost home around sundown, so it was starting to get dark. There was a robin standing in the road, just minding its own business, but it blended in really well to the pavement, so I didn't see it till the last second. The only reason why I did see it is because it moved it's head. I tried to swerve the car, but still heard a light *thump thump*.

It was kind of funny that I ran over a bird, but it was really funny when I noticed a kid standing on the sidewalk just up the road. He had apparently watched the whole thing because he had a look like this on his face:
That look alone made the situation go from slightly strange to entirely awesome. I bet he told everyone he knows. It's not everyday you get to see something like that.

The second birdicide happened about a week later. Again, it was in about the same spot as last incident, but this time I was just leaving the apartment. A small sparrow or something was in the road, and I saw it with plenty of time to spare. Just like the last bird, it decided my car wasn't a threat and it just stood there. I straddled it perfectly with my tires, but as I was over the bird I heard a *thump*, not from my tires, but from the bottom of my car. The stupid bird had taken off and hit the bottom of my car. I can't confirm I actually killed it, but I looked for it flying away in my rear view mirror and I didn't see anything. Now that I think about it, it might be stuck underneath my car. I should probably go check that.

So that's about it. School, Rigby Lake, and mowing down birds with my car.

1 Down, 13 To Go

I finished my first week of student teaching and I survived!

Each one of the classes has an interesting dynamic and their own (talking) problems that I have to work out. I will say that I wish students could eat during class so the students before lunch aren't so agitated, anxious, and talkative. My classes right before lunch, both A and B days, are the most difficult to keep on task.
Planning was fun. I worry about if I have enough material to fill an entire period, but I haven't had a problem yet. One day, I even gave the US course too much reading that we only got about half way through my plans. I had to adjust the schedule for the following day so I could stay on track for the test. (And the test will be interesting. I have to create the questions and make sure they are easy enough for the students to answer, but are adequate for showing what the students have learned...)

My cooperating teacher and I talked about the week on Friday and he says I'm doing a pretty good job. He's not in the classroom all the time, but he's seen enough to know I'm giving the students enough material and expecting them to perform at the right level. YEA!

It's smooth sailing from here, right?

The Eagle Has Flown

My grandpa wrote a book a couple years. He said he just had a strong impression to work on it and have it complete soon. Little did we know, at the time, why he had that impression. It's a good thing he acted on it and did not procrastinate...

Well, I've been reading the book and it is fascinating. Some of the stories I've heard before, but most of it is news to me. It's crazy the things that he's done and things that have happened to him! According to him, he's survived near-death accidents at least a dozen times (and he's only in his twenties in the part where I'm at).

I might post random things online of events from the book that stand out to me. The coolest thing I've read so far is that he worked on the Enola Gay. That's one of the planes that dropped an atomic bomb on Japan during World War II. (He was an airplane mechanic for a short time right out of high school). He wasn't enlisted and didn't have anything to do with the planning, but he was so close to events that changed the course of history for the entire world. CRAZY!

Aaaah, the forces of nature

Were out to get me...

Last week I went out to go to Lehi for school meetings. My clutch didn't work. After I got back with Mike's car (and thankfully Mike didn't need to go anywhere that day), and some online research, we decided my clutch was broken. There were three possibilities of the problem. Two were relatively cheap and one involved taking the transmission out (= expensive). My chances were good, but then remembered I have a Chevy Cavalier.

We got the car towed to Pep Boys that same day and were told we wouldn't get the estimate/diagnosis until the next day. We went home to enjoy the rest of our night...or so we thought.

At around 11 we get a call from my brother Dan in St George that Jeremy had lost all power in his truck while he was heading out camping--he had made it just a little ways past Heber (which is about 20 miles from Orem). We're not exactly sure why we got the call from Dan rather than Jeremy. We think that Jeremy called our dad and Dad thought Heber was closer to Dan than it was to us... I need to teach him a little geography. My dad has Mike and I go get a battery and take it to Jeremy. He barely makes it home without losing power again (i.e. battery was not the solution) and Mike and I roll into the driveway about 2 am. Ouch.

All this time we were helping Jeremy, my dad is driving through the desert on his way to St George--just to visit and pick up my mom (she was still there from the funeral helping everyone). We were just a little worried the forces of nature would attack him too and his circumstances were not looking good: he was driving a beat-up OLD camaro through the desert, at night so he could keep the engine as cool as possible. Also, his cell battery was draining from him being on the phone and he didn't have a car charger.

Anywho, it was a little funny that we all showed up at Pep Boys at the same time to check our cars. (My mom and dad ended up driving up to Orem for the day to see if there was anything my dad could fix without having to take it to a mechanic. Of course there wasn't.) And, of course, my car was diagnosed with the third, expensive, problem...

What did the Heckaman's do to deserve this. BOTH cars breaking down on the SAME day?

A plug for Pep Boys: they weren't the cheapest, but they price match. We took in a quote and they said giving it to us cheaper would be no problem. We ended up paying almost $200 less than originally estimated. Nice!

Can I get a WHAT WHAT?!?!?

So, there's no delicate way to put this, so I'm just gonna lay it out there. Plain as can be...

I got the results from my test today. For the last week I've been randomly checking the Praxis website to see if my results were updated. They weren't, and weren't and weren't. But, today, they were. UH-OH! The first time I had checked to see if the results were available, I had decided that I would not be physically capable of checking the results for myself. So I had Mike memorize my username and password and even log in a couple times for practice. I know--I was stressing out!

This morning, I woke up and got online. My routine is to check my email, facebook, and my blog. That's it. Well, on my blog Jenn had posted a note regarding my test--it made me laugh. And it made me want to check to see if the results were in. (Remember, when I had taken the test, they told me that the results would be available within about 4 weeks--the 25th... It's not that late yet, so I wasn't expecting anything). But, as soon as I logged in, there was a link to see available test results. I couldn't do it. I thought about it, but I just couldn't. It was about 8:30.

Mike was still in bed--he's been sick and just can't sleep well. He told me not to wake him before noon--it's also summer break, so he deserves to sleep in. And I honored his request. I waited, and waited and waited. I watched 30 Rock to keep my mind off the results. (It's a funny show by the way--highly recommended. And the entirety of season 3--the most recent season--is on hulu until the 23rd of this month). Anywho, I waited until about 11:00. Mike woke up early.

If you know Mike, you know he takes a while to actually wake up. Even if he's out of bed, he might not be entirely awake, especially when he is sick. So I waited until he started a conversation, albeit a short one. When he was finished, I told him he had a very important mission and asked if he would accept. He did, so I handed him the computer, with the saved Praxis website--I had even saved him a step and was already logged in (from 8:30).

I can't take the pressure, so I hide under the blanket. I am stressing and don't know what to do with my limbs, so they just keep moving and fidgeting on their own accord. Mike tells me the site won't work. WHAT!??!?!?!? The login had timed out. AAAAAGGGGHHH! He has to log back in, but uses the incorrect login. AAAAGGGHHH! On the third try (after I gave him the correct password--yes, it was all my mistake), he was able to login. And asks me where to go--there's only one link on the page!!! AAAAGGGHH! He goes to the link, and it takes forever to load. FOREVER!

Finally, he asks me what a passing score it. 159. But he still doesn't say anything, forever! AAAAAGGHHHH! I ask him if it says anything, and he says, "hold on..." AAAAGGGHHHH!

**If you're wondering why I am dragging this out, rather than just telling you the results, it's because I want you to know how it felt for me this morning**

Finally, he tells me that I smoked the test. This is about how it went:

"Are you serious?!?!?"

"yes."

"For real?!?!?!"

"yes."

"WHAT I'D GET?!?!?!?"

"180"

"WOOOOOO HOOOOOO" and I started banging my fists on the coffee table and gave Mike approx 10 high-fives.

In the end, it was still a very difficult test, and I got a lot of questions wrong. Fortunately, I did better than average.

AND, a BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG thank you to EVERYONE who believed in me and told me they knew I would pass. You were right. WOOOOO-HOOOOOOO!


*Stay tuned for exciting details about my student teaching that I start on the 31st. I already went to administrative meetings and met fellow teachers--FUN!

The Funeral

{The pallbearers were Brett, Rob, Dan, Jeremy, Jon and Matthew. Honorary pallbearers were Taylor, Zach, Dad, and Jim.}

As you might have already read, my grandpa passed away on the 30th of July. He left a great legacy behind and I know he's already working on a great legacy where he's at.

Last Thursday, the 6th, we said our final goodbyes. Mike and I were able to drive down to St George on Weds in time to make it to the viewing. I went with my parents and oldest niece, Janna. We made sure she was prepared to see grandpa's body, without his spirit. She took it well. It was difficult for me to see my grandpa. He had lost a lot of weight still since the last time I visited. He definitely was not the same man I knew. But I know his spirit is the same, just in a different location.

{The American Legion presenting the American Flag to Grandma.}

On Thursday, it was Vienna's turn to see my grandpa for the last time. We all spent time preparing her for it, and she seemed to take it a little harder than Janna. She spent a lot of time at the casket and at one point she came up to Mike and I letting us know she was scared... because she was sad. We were all sad.

{Raquel and Vienna with the casket.}

The services were amazing. What a tribute it was to my grandpa. The chapel was full of friends and family. My grandma gave a tribute to his life's work. My uncle Mark also said some words about the character of man he was and the legacy he's left. There was a musical number by Raquel on the cello, Catherine (cousin Jon's wife) on the viola and a family friend on the piano of Amazing Grace. It was nothing short of AMAZING, bringing tears to our eyes. There was also a tribute to my grandpa's missionary work from the family members who served full-time missions--they sang Called to Serve. As the last speaker, a family friend gave a nice tribute to my grandpa and the truth we have of where he is, who he's with, and that we'll all see him again. The funeral service ended with an amazing rendition of How Great Thou Art.

{The greatgrandkids with their flower arrangement...They all got to take a flower home.}

My grandpa's chosen final resting place was at the mouth of Zion National Park, in Springdale. It was windy, but beautiful. This service was also very touching. Since my grandpa served in the military, the American Legion was there to present the American Flag to grandma, echo Matthew as the bugler, and performed the 21 gun salute. My mom chose me as the photographer for the event, so it kept me a little distracted, which means I was not a bauling mess. But, I won't deny that it was difficult and the pictures might be a little blury from my hands shaking.

{The Petersen kids with grandma...Mark, Mom, Pam, Linda, Grandma, Teri.}

In the end, I'll say that I'm going to miss my grandpa. He went too soon. I feel like a child when I think about it. I don't know how to grasp that he won't be there. I know, but I haven't attached myself to the understanding. And I can't help but wonder why so soon. He was so young--why now and why him...

{Grandma's a strong woman.}

Regardless, I know where he is, who he's with and that I'll see him again. I KNOW it.

(Pictures were taken by my cousin, Beth... I'll have my own as soon as my parents send me copies. I'll post them here or on facebook.)

Now introducing...

Kai Taylor Odenbrett!!!!!

Like I mentioned before, Desiree named Kai after my grandpa, who just passed away. We mourn for those we've lost, but rejoice in those we gain!

Kai was a BIG baby weighing 9 lbs 15 oz! Ouch. But Desiree was a trooper and came home with a beautiful baby boy. I haven't met him yet, but hear that he's doing really well; scoring well on his tests. And once when I called I heard him cry--but it was such a light little cry I'm surprised it's loud enough to wake them at night. Love little babies!!!!

Anywho, here's some pictures to entertain your day:



He barely fits...



The proud daddy:



The tired mommy:



The grandparents:



The happy family:

Goodbye, for now

One of the greatest men in my life has gone on to a greater call. E Taylor Petersen, better known as Pa-Ta, passed away after a battle with cancer. My family that was with him says he passed away peacefully, and we all know he has been waiting to get on with it--he hated being waited on, hated the hospital visits and feared that he would be remembered as a sick man. I know I won't remember him that way.

He's the first person ever close to me to go. Even though he's had cancer for quite a while, I think this came kind of suddenly for all of us. Grandpa was only in his 70s--I think 76 or so. His dad was much older. And I hope my grandma gets on well. I can't imagine what she's going through. They've been married over fifty years. What do you do when you lose your life-long partner? Go on knowing that you'll see them again...

I know my grandpa was a great man. I've seen posts on facebook of my aunt mentioning how he's been sick and she's taken frequent visits up to see him. Every time she posts anything about him, she gets at least ten different responses of condolences and memories of how great it was to know Taylor Petersen and what a great bishop he was or how good it was to have been in one of his institute classes.

And look at my grandpa's legacy. He's got five amazing kids who all have their own amazing kids and grandkids. There really is no bad apple in our family. Of course we've had problems, but everyone is doing genuinly well because of the great leadership we've been shown. And it's not only family that grandpa has influenced. He's led an amazing life:

He served in the Air Force for many years and in Korea. He taught the gospel there.

When he retired from the military, he taught for CES and was an institute director at Cal State Northridge, Harvard, NAU and in Hawaii. He taught the gospel.

Then he and my grandma served an amazing mission in Hawaii after he retired from CES. He taught the gospel.

Finally, they settled in Hurricane having visitors from literally around the world wanting to learn from grandpa and feel the love he and grandma have for EVERYONE.

I think I knew him well. Not great, but well. I only regret not learning more from him. I could have learned so much more.

Anyway, as a side note, I have to honor my sister. She's a great person. If you know her, you're lucky. If you don't, you have to understand that she usually does things a little differently (not in a bad way). She does things because she wants to, not because she feels pressured to or people expect it from her. So, when she surprised everyone with the middle name of her first boy (born on the 24th of this month), I knew she was paying great respect to my grandpa. She named him Kai Taylor Odenbrett. Thanks Desiree. I know that meant a lot to them and all of us.

Please, no more!

Beware: I will hold no emotion back and will stop typing when I feel like it (this may be loooooong). I need to get some things off my chest. Stop reading now if you think I never complain or if you would like to remain in a good mood!

So, I know it's been a couple days since I took THE test. THE TEST. And Oh my goodness. Lots of words come to mind to describe it. I won't describe it. But there are a few things that can help you understand what I went through (if you care).

First, I hope I passed. Not merely for the fact that it would feel good to know that I am smart enough to have passed. But I NEVER want to go through that again. I don't want to study for it again and I DON'T want sit in that room for two hours getting the crap kicked out of me ever again.

Second, when I walked to the car, Mike mentioned how I didn't look too happy. No, I was NOT happy.

Third, I wish people had not told me that it was an easy test. They took history, not social studies. They had NO idea what Social Studies was like. I don't know if I really would have studied any more, but I just don't want someone telling me they thought the test was easy.

Fourth, the test was NOT EASY! I think I would have to agree with all the other people out there that believe that Social Studies is the hardest test. You have to know everything about everything. For example (this is the only question I will share-and it's not verbatim): In which lobe does the brain register the sense of touch? If you're wondering what that has to do with Social Studies, like I was, it's part of the pyschology section. Everything about everything.

Fifth, I don't think I could have studied any more. How do you study for everything about everything? And it just might have made my brain explode.

Sixth, the study material made by the same company that administers the test is crap. I used the book to study from--study ALOT--and I also took the practice exam provided. I did well and felt good while taking that practice test. The practice test was NOTHING like the real thing.

Seventh, I'm not particularly fond of people telling me that they are sure I will do well. Even if I end up passing, you have no idea if I did well. You weren't there and you have no idea what, and how many, questions I guessed on. Now, I am not angry with ANYONE who has already said that to me. I appreciate the vote of confidence you have shown in me. But, I don't know how to respond without getting emotional.

Eighth, I felt really stupid commenting about how difficult it was to my attorney bro-in-law. Of course the bar exam is SO much more difficult. I don't deny that. I just don't think I was mentally and emotionally prepared for how difficult this was going to be for me.

Ninth, if I don't pass, I will be emotional. You have been warned.

Lastly (ten is a good round number), please don't tell me how you don't study for tests and do well on them anyway. And if you or someone you know took the praxis more than once, please keep that information to yourself. Thank you.

Woops. Sorry, I thought of another one (I'm not a numbers person anyway!) Eleventh, I take everything in life right now and apply it to some concept I studied. I can't take it anymore. I want Social Studies out of my life right now. But, when it's everything about everything, I don't think that will happen... Oh, and I even had a(nother) dream about the exam and the results last night. I just hope I passed.

Epilogue: Thank you to anyone willing to bear with me through this. I hope this will be a thing of the past very shortly.

Post-Epilogue: If you're wondering, I should get the results near the end of August. Be prepared for (an emotional) notification of how I did...

Have you ever seen the rain...

Comin down on a sunny day?

Mike and I went to Idaho Falls this last weekend so Mike could go camping with some high school friends at Rigby Lake. It was a nice weekend and the weather there was beautiful. AND I got to play tennis with his parents and sister.

Anywho, we left on Sunday and noticed a couple rain/stormy clouds that we might have to go through. Five minutes after we got on the freeway we were in the middle of the heaviest rain I have EVER seen. In a 75 mph speed limit zone we were going 35, because of rain. And it went from bad to worse. I had to turn my wiper blades on full blast, but soon noticed that the driver blade was SLIDING OFF!!! It got about five inches out, so I had to sit as tall as I could to see out...

The rain only lasted ten or fifteen minutes, and we decided to stop in Blackfoot (about 30 min out of IF) to get wiper blades at Wally World. We make our selection and go out to replace them. The passenger blade snapped on fine. The driver one not so much. We considered exchanging it, but wanted to be on our way so we left thinking we wouldn't need to use the wipers again. And we didn't, until we reached Pleasant Grove (about 20 min from home). It started to rain, and the new wipers were working good and my window was spotless. Until I heard a *whack* against the car. I thought we hit something, but there was nothing in the road. *Whack* again. And again. Oh shoot!!! My entire blade is coming off! And before I could do anything productive, it went into the middle of traffic. (I think it went straight down and didn't hit anyone's car--if it did, I am SO sorry!!!)

Needless to say, we went to Walmart in Lindon and splurged the extra two dollars to get a better quality of blade for the driver side. And we made sure it fit securely before leaving.

As per Steve's advice, I think we'll be purchasing new blades every year... Oh, and Steve, we did see some "lightening" during the rain storm... (HA!)

PICTURES!!!

Here's some pics, almost three weeks after the fact. At least they're here!!!

Matias Van Ragnar Heckaman


I'm not sure if they call him Matias or Van, but I know they're not fans of Mat.


Great Grandma and Pa-Ta with the Heckaman kiddos.


The girls are such GREAT and WONDERFUL big sisters!!!


Grandma LOVES her babies!!!


Totally off topic, and I know this is gross, but I bruise REALLY badly!!! I fell on my door frame of my car, really not as bad as it looks, at the beginning of May. I can still see remnents of this bruise on my leg. And it swelled really bad too. It was gross. But, I have to post a picture as proof that there's something wrong with my blood and because it looks like a super nova. Really, look it up!

So sad

After being so saddened at the lack of posts of some blogs, I decided I shouldn't be the source of others' sadness. So I will post. (did that sentence make sense...?)

The latest news is the birth of my brother's third child. He was born June 17th at around 12:45 in the morning. I've been delaying posting about it because I want to include a picture, but I have not yet received any digital copies of the little man. Anyway, they named him Matias Van Ragnar Heckaman. It's a mouthful, but a well-meaning name. You'll need to go to the source (Dan) to find out what the name means. Baby and mother were doing so spectacular that they were able to leave the hospital sometime in the mid afternoon on the same day. Which was good because I was able, luckily, to hitch a ride with my other brother down to St George to be there when they all came home. And, he looks just like Vienna--a Heckaman to be sure! So fun!!!

Desiree's is still due sometime in July--she's received three or four different possible delivery dates. But I'm sure he'll be just as cute and fun! I just hope he doesn't get too old before Mike and I can go and see him!

And, my praxis test is still on so I am studying hard. Blech. Sometimes I get worried, and other times I think it will be fine. Just another month and we'll see just how prepared I am...

Have a laugh

Q: What's invisible and smells like carrots?



A: Bunny farts



I laughed a little harder than the joke warranted (it brought tears to my eyes), but it made me feel better after a HORRIBLE session of Mario Kart. The game cheats!

HA HA!!!

Our family is GROWing

Both my sister, Desiree, and sister-in-law, Raquel, are expecting. I went to both of their baby showers recently, and it was FUN!

Desiree's was first, even though she's due second. I flew into San Diego a couple days early and then my parents and I drove up to Sacramento. By taking a three hour detour to Lompoc to visit my grand-parents, we were on the road for 12.5 hours. Anywho, it was a surprise to Desiree that I was came to the shower. She was glad I was there and it was good to see them and their home--they've lived there for more than a year and I've never been out there. The shower and weekend was fun. Now I just get to wait for news of the baby boys' arrival!

I wasn't planning on going to Raquel's shower, but the timing worked out that it would be doable. It was closer, in St George, so it was just a short jaunt of 8 hours drive from Idaho (I broke it into two days' worth of driving by staying in Orem). I realized I hadn't been to St George since Thanksgiving, which is a LONG time considering how close it is. But, it was great having my two nieces run up to me and hug me as if I had spent no time away. They are adorable. It was also good to be in St George because of my grandpa's failing health--I'm glad I could see him again. So, this weekend was fun too. And Raquel is soooo ready to go into labor. It would have been awesome if she delivered while I was there. But such was not the case. Oh, and she's having a boy too.

PS--we aren't expecting, in case the title led you to believe that.

Epilogue

I recently was talking to my mom about our trip to Yellowstone and she mentioned how it sounded like I had never been there before. I HAVE been there before, it's just been a long time and different from what I remember. My parents say I have been there more than once, but I only remember a time that was the summer before 5th grade. That was the summer that we went across country to Boston--which is a trip I'm looking forward to with my own family.

And a BIG thank you to Noel and Nancy for taking us and being the tour guides.

And, the smell of the geysers isn't too bad--it just takes a while to get used to. I think it smells like rotten eggs. My grandpa had a couple geese and one night wediscovered their eggs had gone rotten. We(my siblings), as young kids, thought it would be a good idea to have a fight with them and break open as many as possible as close as possible to each other. Ooooh, it got bad. But, luckily, it was the boys' turn to sleep at the farm, the girls got to go back to the house in the village. They had to smell the rotten eggs all night. Ouch.

Yellowstone

Mike's parents took us to Yellowstone yesterday and we had a lot of fun. Our first stop was Old Faithful. We got there in pretty good timing--only had to wait about thirty minutes. However, the anticipation KILLED. They predict within 10 minutes, so we sat down ten minutes before the predicted time. We waited and waited and waited. The predicted time came and went, and finally, about seven minutes after the predicted time it went off. Oh, and it didn't help that it would randomly spurt out water every couple minutes, making us think it was time...




So then we went on a walk to another geyser and saw many on our way. We also had lunch at Old Faithful.



Of course we saw a lot of bison along the road. At a couple points they were lingering while crossing the road, holding up traffic.




We went to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and saw some waterfalls. They have a couple walkways that take you down real close to the falls and it was really neat to be that close. This was probably my favorite spot there.





At the end of the day, we were going to go to some hot springs--we got all the way there and found out it was closed. BUMMER!!! But, on the way, we saw the coolest animal to spot at Yellowstone. Two black bears. They were a ways away, but I promise they were there. They were chasing some elk. Look hard at the pictures!





So, it was fun. We decided I need a better camera. You could probably tell that from the pictures. Oh, and I know I got a lot of back shots of Mike. I promise he was looking at the camera in some pictures as well. I just didn't use those.