Dear Black Widow spiders,

Apparently you have been misinformed. My house is not YOUR home. I have found and killed 5 of you in the past three months. (2) in front of my door, (1) by the water heater , (1) behind the computer, (1) on the trash can lid. Your creepy red spot sends chills down my spine. Let this be a warning to you. Please move somewhere else.

Paul attends the first presidential debate!

Last Friday, Paul was lucky enough to get a ticket to go to the first presidential debate here in Oxford. He left Friday around 4:00 in the afternoon for the 8:00 p.m. event. He had to go through background checks and other security. The first thing he noticed upon entering the hall was that it was freezing. The candidate's chose to set the temperature to 62 degrees, because they did want to come across sweating or nervous. Paul had the greatest seat. He sat on the mezzanine on the second row, right above the NBC and CBS news crew. He said that Katie Couric really looks that good in real life but Brian Williams perfect hair really isn't that perfect, he's got a very noticeable bald spot! After some instructions from the moderator and others, the real action began. The candidates wives first entered. They both sat in the third seat front the aisle on the third row on different sides of the hall. McCain and Obama then entered and the debate began. One impression he had when they spoke was that these two people were normal people. You see them everyday on TV and they seem so perfect and godly, but in real life you realize that they put their pants on one leg at a time just like you do. The only difference is they are vying to be the ruler of the free world. The debate flew by and after the debate Paul left the hall to a line of reporters ready to interview the guests in the hall. Paul shied away from the spotlight and got back on the shuttle to go back to the parking lot. What he isn't telling you is that he had a cold and had lost his voice. All in all, it was a once in a lifetime experience for Paul.

Paul will be...

HERE tonight. An actual seat inside! He won a raffle ticket. Look for a tall, dark and handsome man.

I heart Utah.

Where to begin...even though Utah is no longer my home (sad to say) I always love going back. My family and friends make this place dear to my heart.

Top Ten

10. Drinking fountains & tiny kid potties in the bathrooms. So many fun children places. David is still trying to figure out these silly fountains.

9. McD's playland! Indoors with music and padded floors, doesn't get much better then that.











8. Spending time in the magical land of Mountain Green. Once you go you never want to leave. Mom & Dad Ordyna, as usual, were the perfect host. We loved taking naps, playing outside, going to the children's museum, Maddox and the zoo.
7. Amber & I were most excited about trying all the fun places to eat. We hit: Sub Zero, Red Mango, Spoon Me and Pudding on the Rice. All places were good, but surprisingly the Rice Pudding was to die for! Highly recommend.


6. Getting my ring cleaned.
5. Seeing the Blaus! Boy oh boy do we miss them. Baby Griffin is the cutest. Abby & Sarah are growing like weeds (well...flowers...who wants to grow like a weed?)

4. Gigi doing Eden's hair.



3. Going for a run with my dad.

2. Playing, visiting and more playing.



1. Having Paul call once...twice...three times a day. David was a chatter box on the phone. Paul sure missed us. Thank goodness for the telephone. We were still able to say our morning & evening prayers together.





Can I add one more?
1 (b). Sewing with my grandma & mom. We made Eden several new dresses (well, I mainly just watched). I learned a few new skills and am excited to tackle a pattern on my very own this month.

Two years...

either seems like a blink of an eye or an eternity. For me it was a mix. When I look at this family picture taken two years ago it seems like an eternity but when I saw Tyler it seemed like no time had passed. Tyler said everyone looks "taller and thinner", which is what we all wanted to hear!




As he came down the escalator I imagined a heavenly choir singing, "called to serve". He looked handsome and full of the spirit. His homecoming talk was brilliant. He shared personal struggles and strengths. Tyler got really sick in the middle of his mission, it was a trying time. He told us in a letter that he learned the Lord doesn't need him. The work in his area pressed forward, even though he was laying in a bed. He needed the Lord, he was on the Lord's errand and was there to do His will. Welcome Home Ty. We all love you.

THIS

is what it looked like when we left. In the time of one simple shower, a lot can happen.

We have been having so much fun in Utah. Our skin is dry and our noses are runny, which means it's time to come home.

We are excited to be all together as a family again. Horray. Wish me luck on the plane!

Welcome Home

Although I am excited to see Ty and spend time with family, my thoughts are focused on my husband who will be left behind. Funny how marriage makes you DEPENDENT. We were both independent for years...now two weeks seems unbearable. We will say our good byes tomorrow. I stocked the freezer with meals (which is silly because he is a better cook than me). Mr. Paul, please try to have fun and get some sleep!

We are so proud of you Elder Garlock! Welcome Home.

Happy Birthday Hector!

My older sister is 29 years old today.

I always depended on her courage and constant friendship. She was my rock. She is a people person, she always has been. She loves being around others and others LOVE being around her. She is brave and makes friends easily.

Growing up we had a love/hate relationship. I would get SOOO mad when she borrowed my clothes and she would get mad when I tattled on her (I wonder why?).

We cherished our late night talks while listening to a Kenny Loggins mixed tape. She had a HUGE crushon Mush (from Newsies)…if you even know who this is I am very impressed with your Newsies trivia. She adored her signed picture of him (I wonder if she still has it…hee hee).

We have often wondered if we weren’t sister if we would be friends? We were so different growing up…yet thick as thieves. I don’t know what I would have done without her. She is a fun, sharing and caring person to be around. She married the love of her life and enjoys every minute with him. She is completely devoted to her Josie girl.

I love our long phone conversations. We have to talk every few days...otherwise there is too much to catch up on and it is a pain (trust me Paul & Ryan it is better we keep in close contact).

Fun facts about the birthday girl:

1. She used to loves baby food.

2. She used to have a pair of hot pink guess jean shorts that she would tight roll at the bottom.

3. She can laugh and cry in the same minute.

4. She can recreate anything just like Martha Stewart.

Have a great day! I love you my sister!

Not noticing...

my children is a crime! Off the top of my head I can't think of anything new my monkeys have done lately. I have been consumed with the idea of traveling to Utah, packing and get things in order for Mr. Paul.

Today I started noticing.

When we entered the childcare at the gym David put on the saddest face and just cried...he knew Mommy was leaving. Eden was already off playing with the dollies. After I left I could see his little face pressed up against the window. Of course when I came back he hardly noticed me and was busy playing with some trucks.

At the Courthouse I waited in line hoping to obtain a new license plate before the noon rush arrived. I was still in my workout clothes with dried sweat matting my hair...thus trying not to make eye contact with anyone. Eden danced around, twirling her Bell polly pocket while singing a made up song that kept getting louder and louder. David ran to every door and attempted to open it. There were a few tantrums when I took the grapes away...I had to, Eden was flinging them across the room when she twirled and David kept dropping them when he ran.

I answered the common question: "Are they twins?" (for the third time that day)

As we were leaving a man said to me: "I am jealous of your kids, they have such great personalities".

I smiled and agreed!

A year later

It was suggested by my SIL to take a "year later" photo (good idea). We went to the Grove this weekend celebrating (most prefer to call it tailgating) the first football game. With thousands of people there was no way we would make it to the exact same spot. This picture will have to do...basically same location. One year later!


Sorry about Eden being cut off...this is what you get for asking a guy with a beer in his hand to take the picture (seriously, we couldn't find anyone without a drink).