HaPpY HaLlOwEen!!

Happy Halloween! The girls had a good time tonight. Jaycee and Gabi (our neighbor & adopted daughter), went trick or treating together. Gabi's Mom made he CUTEST costumes for the girls. She made Jaycee's Bee costume & Gabi's Ladybug costume. We have such awesome friends.

Jordan went trick or treating with her friend Taylor, and is still out and about. Hopefully not getting into too much trouble.

Greg & I were home. I ran to Carrabba's to get us some dinner. On my way home I called my sister. I am very homesick for her today. We've been here for almost three years, and I love it here; but I really miss my sister on holidays. Every Halloween we used to get the kids together for trick or treating or just showing off costumes. It was fun. Greg & I usually dressed up. Haven't dressed up since we have been here. I need to snap out of it...

Jaycee & I are watching Ghostbusters together. You have to watch something on Halloween right?!?

Here are some pictures from Halloween pasts...










Happy Halloween!!

The Locator

Just a reminder...If you haven't watched 'The Locator', Sat nights on the WE channel..don't miss this show. Very uplifting show for the whole family. I guarantee you can't watch an episode without a tear in your eye or a lump in your throat.

Please watch! We need shows like this in the world today! Keep watchin'

World Series comes to a sad end....

So tonight was part II of Game 5 of the World Series. Sadly my Rays lost 3-4 against the Phillies. What a bummer! But it was an awesome year for the Rays and we won the AL Championship, which is awesome from a team who was the worst team a year ago. I love my RAYS!! Can't wait for spring training and for next years season.

The Rays' dream season ended against the Phillies in Game 5, which was completed two days after the contest was suspended by rain. However, nothing can be taken away from a Tampa Bay club that shocked the world by making the Fall Classic in its first playoff appearance.

Next year, we will be back!

Saturday and Stuff

This has been one hectic week. Monday, just work. Tuesday night I attended the funeral of a sister in our ward who recently passed away. Her two Granddaughter's are my YW girls. Wednesday night, YW's activity night. Thursday, Stake leadership meeting; which was AWESOME by the way. We have the best Stake in the church. (I'm a little bias) Friday night was soccer for the girls, but I didn't get home in time to make the games. Jaycee tied and Jordan lost by two points. Today, I went grocery shopping, did some laundry, then ran to the church where we have a new girl in YW who got baptized. Very neat day for her and for us. Tonight Greg & I finally got a date night, and went to dinner then went Christmas shopping. Now we are all home waiting for Game 3 of the World Series to start...GO RAYS!! They have it win!!

Greg leaves for Tampa for the week, so we will see how this week goes with soccer, seminary & such.

This week was also was homecoming week at Charlotte High for Jordan. She has had fun with this. With it being spirit week she dressed up like a nerd for 'Nerd Day', and dressed in her school colors Thursday from head to toe. She had a lot of fun. After her soccer game she went to watch the rest of the homecoming game against Venice. Both teams WERE undefeated...now Charlotte High is no longer undefeated. )o:


One more thing...I recently bought Glenn Beck's conversion book on CD called, An Unlikely Mormon. If you get a chance read or listen to it. It is awesome. The girls and I went to a fireside a year or two ago where he spoke at. It was wonderful, very inspiring. I had hoped he would write this or have it on tape. You will have to listen.

We are all doing well. Everyone is healthy & happy so all is well. Have a good week.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This was from Dr Laura and thought it had some very good info regarding Breast Cancer Awareness. Anything we can do to fight any type of cancer is well worth the read...Ü
Love,
Shalee

October is “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” It seems that some women would benefit more than others by becoming more “aware” about this disfiguring and potentially deadly disease.

Jessica Queller is a supervising producer and one of the head writers of the successful CW series “Gossip Girls.” She has revealed publicly that she had a double mastectomy, even though she doesn’t have breast cancer, and in two years, plans to have her ovaries removed, even though she doesn’t have ovarian cancer.

Ms. Queller, 38, made these decisions after her mother battled breast cancer and then died from ovarian cancer at the age of 60. Paranoia? Nope. It seems that Ms. Queller tested positive for the breast cancer mutation (BRCA1), so she had the mastectomy, followed up by reconstructive surgery.

The facts are that women who test positive for mutations in BRCA1 genes have up to an 87% chance of developing breast cancer, and a 44% risk of ovarian cancer by the age of 70.

Everyone has BRCA genes (both 1 and 2), but only a small percentage of people have the mutated genes: about 1 in 800 have the mutated BRCA1, and fewer have the mutated BRCA2. Mutated BRCA genes account for 5-10% of all breast cancers diagnosed in America.

If one parent carries the BRCA mutation, his or her offspring have a 50% chance of inheriting it. Prophylactic mastectomy (i.e., removing the breasts as a preventative measure) reduces the risk of breast cancer by 90%.

As with other genetic mutation diseases (like Huntington’s), when there is a test for the mutation, do you want to know your fate? Many vote “No,” and I find that amazing. I understand the fear that goes along with realizing you are at significantly higher risk or actually have a potentially devastating disease, but knowledge is power and prophylaxis and treatment lower your risk of having the worst come to bear.

Breast cancer is extremely rare in men, but BRCA2 gene changes have been linked to male breast cancer and possibly prostate, pancreatic and colon cancer. So it’s a good idea for men with family cancer histories also to consider taking the test.

To find doctors who do gene tests, and the counseling that is beneficial, call the cancer information service at the National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237). To find a genetic counselor near you, contact the National Society of Genetic Counselors at 312-321-6834 or visit their website at www.nsgc.org.

Certain people have an increased chance of inheriting BRCA1 or 2 gene changes:

* Jewish women whose ancestors came from Eastern Europe, especially if they have parents or siblings with breast or ovarian cancer, or two incidences of such in aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
* If you’re not Jewish, but have significant instances of breast and/or ovarian cancer in your family, you are also at a higher risk of inheriting BRCA1 or BRCA2 changes.

As my dad was descended from Ashkenazi Jews (from Eastern Europe), and my maternal grandmother died of breast cancer, and my sister reported early pre-cancerous signs, I’m getting the genetic test. I also do yearly mammograms, sonograms, and regular manual checkups. At each yearly pelvic exam, we include a sonogram assessment of my ovaries, and each year for my regular checkup, I have various cancer marker blood tests done.

I’d rather know if and what I have to fight.

I'm Thankful...

I just had to write a quick note about my girls. I am so thankful for Jordan & Jaycee. I learn so much from them. Jordan is wonderful at just taking things as they come and letting the minor stuff just roll off of her. Sometimes it an drive me a little batty, because I like things done right then and there...but she is a good girl.

Jaycee helps me remember to be happy. I love her for her kind heartedness and for her being concerned for others. Jaycee just has a love for life. I have two wonderful girls who I admire and love with all my heart.

GO RAYS!!!

I am sooooo excited!!! The Tampa Bay Rays won game 7 against the Boston Red Sox last night..and now they are going to the World Series!!! So exciting!

Game 1 of the World Series starts Wed night at Tropicana Field. I can't wait! I love the Rays!!!

I can't wait for spring training. The new spring training stadium is going to be opening in Port Charlotte this coming spring. How fun will that be?!?
Below is an article on Joe Maddon & the Rays. He is an awesome manager and has done so much for to pull this team together this past season.



For Maddon, 9=2 after big W in Game 7 Skipper's trust in players culminates in club's first Fall Classic berth
By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com

ST. PETERSBURG -- The walls were draped in a toxic-smelling shield of fresh latex, as veterans, rookies and hangers-on alike wielded bottles of bubbly and took aim at everything in sight. If you were dry, you weren't trying hard enough.
It is a scene that plays out every October in ballparks throughout the big leagues, the giddy joy of grown men achieving their dreams, but it was never supposed to happen in the basement at Tropicana Field. At least, not in the home clubhouse, not so soon.

It took the optimistic influence of a self-admitted "dreamer" to help make it so, and as the sunshine-happy Rays carried on a party that would last into the early-morning hours, the question had to be asked: How could manager Joe Maddon possibly have known?

"Believe me," Maddon said, his silver hair dripping with the golden sparkle of barley and hops, dripping into the lenses of his thick black-framed glasses. "When it comes down to these moments, it's about your intuitive nature. You can be taught, you can learn from other people, but when it comes down to it, it's all based on intuition."

"I'm very proud of where our group is at today, and I could understand why you would have belly-laughed back then. But nobody is belly laughing right now. And I could not be more proud of this group, and I have a strong conviction and belief that we're going to get it done tonight."

Jaycee's Birthday

Here are a few pics from Jaycee's Birthday. We didn't get to do much, when Greg & I got home from work, we did her b-day cake and presents, then it was time for Young Women's.
Greg got her a 'Curious George' cake. It was very cute. Unfortunately, I don't have LaDawn's talent for making cakes. Wish she lived here...her b-day cakes are amazing. Me..not so much!
I usually get Jaycee flowers every year for her birthday. She used to carry them around like a little beauty queen when she was little. It was so cute. Now it is just a tradition for Jaycee's birthday to get her flowers. Jordan isn't a flower person, so she gets balloons.

She does officically go to YW's now, so that's good. I think she had a good day. Happy Birthday Jaycee!!! We love you tons!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAYCEE!!

In just a couple hours Jaycee will be 12! WOW!! Can't believe how fast time flies..
Here are my thoughts & memories of Jaycee...

1- When Jaycee was borh, she had the STRONGEST spirit about her. I remember feeling that same spirit when she was baptized.

2- When Jaycee was just learning to crawl, she would fall and start laughing so hard that she couldn't push herself back up. SOOO funny.

3- When Jordan & Jaycee were little (Jordan was 3, Jaycee was about 6-7 months old) The girl taking their picture was trying to get them to smile, which really wasn't hard. Once again, Jaycee would start laughing so hard she would tip over.

4- Jaycee used to have a binky...mainly because I made her. She was so funny, she used to would talk thru it.

5- Jaycee is very tender hearted. She doesn't like seeing people be mean to each other and hates when people argue. She is a peacemaker.

6- Jaycee is very creative. She comes up with the best ideas when decorating, or creating things.

7- Jaycee loves to laugh and is almost always happy.

8- Jaycee is a wonderful singer, very pretty voice.

9- Jaycee is a big Daddy's girl.

10- We love Jaycee with all our hearts! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAYCEE!!

Happy Birthday Jaycee!

This week Jaycee will be turning 12!! WOW...Can't believe how fast she is growing up. She will be going into YW's at church and has been looking forward to that.

Today begins the "Three Day To The Birthday Celebration". Greg started this when the kids were little, he gives the girls one small gift each day for three leading towards their birthday. It's really sweet and it makes the girls feel really special the week of their birthday. The girls love it and look forward to it every year...much to Greg's dismay. He said he was going to have to quit now that the girls had out grown crayons and coloring books, but they won't let him quit tradition. You can't QUIT a tradition..seriously.

Today is Day 1 of Jaycee's 3 Day To The Birthday, and she is very excited unfortunately Greg has a work meeting in Tampa so she won't get her present until he gets home tonight..Darn it.

Happy Birthday Jaycee!! We love you lots and are so glad you are part of our family!

Morrill Movie Review

Jordan, Jaycee & I love to watch Alfred Hitchcock movies. Jaycee and I picked up a few from the library the other day. Below are the movies we will review. We still need to watch 'The Rope' & 'Vertigo', the others we have seen over and over. Here is our little movie review for some of our favorite Hitchcock movies:

The Birds-
Jaycee-**** Stars
"I understand that it is supposed to be scary, but of all things to scare people why BIRDS?? By the way, if you watch any of these movies watch for Alfred Hitchcock to appear in scenes in his movies."

Shalee-**** Stars
"I know it is supposed to be a scary show, but it cracks me up every time!"

Jordan-**** Stars
"Every time after I watch it I get all freaked out when I see birds lol its pretty hilarious watchin the bad theatrics in it since its old though."

Rear Window-
Jaycee-****1/2 Stars
"This is a very good movie, a little scary with many chills."

Shalee-***** Stars
"I love Rear Window. Cute, suspenseful and you've got to love Grace Kelly, she was beautiful!"

Jordan-**** Stars
"Its awesome it reminds me of Disturbia heheh its a good movie"


The Man Who Knew Too Much-
Jaycee-*** Stars
"Not one of Alfred's best films. Very confusing at some points. The actors/actresses are a little too dramtic for some of the lines. You could get a bit more out of a movie that is 2 hours long. But remember, it's not like we are professional movie rating people, so don't just rely on our opinions, find out hat you think.=)"

Shalee-*** Stars
"I like Doris Day & Jimmy Stewart, but not so much in this movie. I like the Doris Day & Rock Hudson shows a little more. And I like a kinder Jimmy Stewart. Still a good show."

Jordan- TBA

The Rope-
Jaycee- TBA

Shalee- TBA

Jordan- TBA

Vertigo-
Jaycee-**** Stars
"What a show! I couldn't believe some of the scenes in this movie. Even though it is good not much can beat "Psycho"! I feel bad for the guy, scared of heights, losing the love of his life. Enjoy the show!"

Shalee- TBA
"I've only seen parts of this, never the whole thing..Review to come soon."

Jordan-*****Stars
"awesomeness its like on my top 3 lol"

Tag, Tag, Tag

I just got tagged...so here it goes. Look below to see if I tagged you.
Four Places I've Lived:
1. Roy, Utah
2. St. George, Utah
3. Shephardstown, W VA
4. Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte, FL

Four Favorite Books:
1. I Am A Mother-Jane Clayson Johnson
2. Harry Potter..All
3. All Around The Town-Mary Higgins Clark
4. The Prophet Joseph Smith-Truman G. Madsen

Four Favorite Movies:
1. Camelot
2. Star Wars
3. Fiddle on the Roof
4. The Devil Wears Prada
(I need to see some new movies...Haven't seen anything new in almost a year)

Four Embarrassing Facts About Me:
1. The first time LaDawn (my sister) came to stay the weekend with us in St George, I food poisoned us by not thinking that on a 110 degree day, shrimp may not keep too well in the car. I made salad for us and we were sick the WHOLE time....To this day I can't eat Shrimp salad...

2. Before Greg & I dated I was at an old boyfriends house, LaDawn & I triped over each other as we were going downstairs (in our church dresses mind you); and fell all the way down the stairs in a big heap. It hurt so bad, but we were laughing soooo hard. The Mom of the guy I was dating came running to the stairs yelling "What the hell are you guys doing down there??". We were dieing laughing soooo hard. It still makes me laugh!
(Notice a pattern...LaDawn is the source of many embarrassments) ha ha

3. Before I had kids I had many a speeding ticket...Before I was married I had my DL revoked for a month due to speeding tickets. Proud to say now, in 16 years I have not had a ticket.

4. I still don't know all my times tables..My kids make fun of me. I'm just not a math girl. I like History & Geography.

Four Dreams of Mine:
1. To see my girls grow up healthy & happy.
2. To ONE DAY be all caught up with laundry.
3. To live righteous so I can be with my kids and Greg forever.
4. To go to New Zealand w/Greg & to Alaska w/Gayla (my cousin).

Four Pet Peeves
1. Politians
2. People who are dishonest with themselves and with others.
3. People who are unkind to others and gossip.
4. People who aren't positive. We have so much to be thankful for to not look for the best in life on a daily basis.

Four things that make me Really Happy:
1. My family. (Greg, Jordan & Jaycee..I love you!)
2. The sounds of Jordan & Jaycee laughing and getting along with each other.
3. Living in such a beautiful sunny place.
4. Going to the beach and looking at the sun setting over the ocean.

People I tag: Leslie, Jaycee, Margo, Jordan

Pursuit of Excellence Reading Challenge

Pursuit of Excellence Challenge.

During his closing remarks of Conference President Thomas S. Monson urged us to study and ponder the teachings from General Conference that will be published in the November Ensign and Liahona magazines. This is a challenge to study together and help encourage each other in this study.I hope you will join us.
For more information go here

What Cancer Can Not Do..

CANCERS SO LIMITED

It can't cripple love
It can't shatter hope
It can't corrode faith
It can't eat away peace
It can't destroy confidence
It can't kill friendship
It can't shut out memories
It can't silence courage
It can't invade the soul
It can't reduce eternal life
It can't quench the Spirits
It can't lessen the power of the resurrection.
(Version submitted by Kristen Homandber)

On My Mind...

So the last few weeks I have had Emma Smith on my mind. I watch the movie 'Emma' Sunday morning before Conference. Can I just say, what an amazing woman!? I don't know that many women, if any; could endure all that she did. I am in awe of her and all she went through.

Next thing. Although I miss hearing and seeing Pres Hinckley,I love Pres Monson & know without a doubt he IS a Prophet of God. I watched a special on BYU-TV about the life of Pres Monson. He told of how he was prompted to see an man who was in the hospital, however it was just before a meeting started for church while he was serving as Bishop. He put it off until the very last moment, but kept having the prompting. Once the meeting was over, he quickly ran to the hospital to see the man who he felt so prompted to see. As he ran to the room and asked where this man was, the hospital staff said to him, "You must be Bishop Monson, the man you came to see kept calling for you however he had just passed away." Never again did Pres. Monson pass up on a prompting by the Spirit.

Third thing. I love this country and am very concerned with the upcoming election, the economy and the way so many of the polititans are unwilling to stand up for what is right and are so willing to listen to what the 'Policically Correct' crowd says. We need people to STAND UP for what is right. Stand up for values, for our rights, for what our Forefathers faught for. I hope and pray that we will all search, ponder & pray for our leaders. We are in such critical times and need leaders with Integrity.

Fourth, upon Jaycee's upcoming birthday I want her to know how much I love her. She is one amazing girl. She is so sweet, tender hearted and always wants to do the right thing. She is almost always happy and smiling. She loves to laugh. She adds so much to our family. Jordan has also amazed me. She has been in early morning Seminary now for a little over two months. It has done so much for her. I told her a couple of weeks ago how proud I was of her and what a change I could see in her. She's never ever been a bad kid, but Seminary has helped bring out even more good in her. I love my girls!! They are AWESOME!

Fifth, I love the Gospel, I love the church, I love and admire the Prophet Joseph Smith and know without a doubt in the world that he DID see God the Father & His Son Jesus Christ. I KNOW without a doubt that he restored the church of Jesus Christ, I know that the Book of Mormon is true and is another testament of Jesus Christ and goes along with the Bible..Not in place of. I am so very blessed and am thankful for all I have.

This is enough thinking for one day huh??!!?

How exciting!!!

How exiting are the 5 temples that were announced today?!? Especially in Rome, Italy & KC, Missouri...Can't wait to see the pictures of the temples.

That makes me want to go to Rome even more...How fun would that be?? I can't wait to hear the talks tomorrow. I love Conference weekends.

Your Emails & Stories on Cancer...

Here is another email from our friend/neighbor from Clearfield, UT. I have been so touched by all of your stories and emails regarding the Cancer post this month. Keep them coming. There is healing and love in each story.

Hi Shalee,
Just wanted to say thanks. I thought you did an awesome job on your website this month. The story of your Bishop Dunn touched my heart and brought a tear to my eye as my Mom is a colon cancer survivor. It was a rough time for my Dad and the rest of our family when my Mom had surgery to remove part of her colon, not to mention her sickness with chemo. But Shalee, as you know, families come together with love and no matter what happens, the bond of love and prayer creates something very powerful to help us all get through some rough times.
Thanks again for sharing.
Love,
Jerry and Family

Shalee,
I know you are aware of my son Bryan who lost his battle with 2 kinds of leukemia. He was 3 months old when he was diagnosed and almost a year when he died but all that he taught us and all that we have learned since is incredible. I would take him back in a heartbeat of course. But we would never have learned those things any other way. Our family learned and grew in love and courage and know where he is and what he is doing. I too hate cancer. It is a 4 letter word at my house. Everytime a child under 6 months gets a fever I panic. Shoot everytime a kid gets anything I PANIC!! But - the truth is ...God is in charge. He knew what I needed to learn and how! I know life has to go on and we have to go through it. Thank you for your love and support for those of us who still have to live with this. You are the best friend anyone could have. God bless you always and ALL WAYS!

Love, Margo

Stories and Thoughts from You All...

I have had a couple of emails re: the Cancer post on my blog. I wanted to share a couple of these with you and I will add more as they come. The first is from Bishop Dunn from the Cape Coral Ward in our Stake. Here is the story about his daughter, you have got to see the video she made...It is so touching..One amazing girl.

Hi Shalee,
As you may or may not know, our daughter, Josalin battled cancer from the age of 7 to now. She has undergone 6 months of chemo-therapy, a major surgery which removed a large tumor along with 1/3rd of her stomach. She has had a priesthood blessing and today is in remission for almost 3 years.
While going thru chemo, she would send out weekly video messages to friends and family. She ended them all with a great piece of advice- "Dance Anyway". It became her motto and it is my life mission now, to dance anyway, regardless of adversity. Josalin is my hero. Here is a link to one of her little videos she used to send out. She was in the midst of heavy chemo at the time, bald as a cue ball but still full of life and hope. Be sure to watch to the end. Feel free to share.
http://tiny-link.com/vs.asp?h=1112391111BGQEFG&l=

The second is a comment sent to me from my cousin EvaMae. She had heard this the other day and I couldn't agree more.

Hi Shalee
I heard an interesting comment just a few days ago...they said that Cancer was a 'disease of love' because of all of the love and support that one receives from wonderful friends and family during the crisis. I thought that it was a very thought provoking comment to make. Makes one think...

I couldn't agree more with this statement. Keep your stories and thoughts coming, this is very inspiring to me and really puts life in perspective. You just never know and it is so important to make the most of every day!