Saturday, May 16, 2009

Mother's Day (A Week Late)

Holidays are always a bit challenging - making sure we visit all the families in our lives. Saturday, we had dinner with Eric's Mom at her house. Unfortunately, I was doped up on benadryl and got no pictures.

Sunday, we went to Eric's step-mom's house for a while and then went to my mom's house for dinner.

It was a very nice and relaxing day - celebrating the women who are the strength in our lives.
AND, I got to be with the kids I love so much. Here are my favorite pics:

Chance is so full of personality!

Sweet, sweet Collin! Loves him!

Watch What I Can Do Elise:


Andrew Don't Touch My Hat:


Marcus Natural Born Trouble Maker:


And, of course, my mom:
I sure do love my mom!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Happy Nurses Week!

I know it's the end of the week - technically it's Saturday morning (very early in the morning), but I still wanted to say HAPPY NURSES WEEK to my family and friends who are working in this high demand and rewarding field.

The University of Utah Hospital published a couple of videos. I liked them both.

2008 Video:


This year's video was a bit emotional but I like it. I realize these type of stories aren't unique to our institution, but I'm kind of partial.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Positive Energy For Me

An experiment that has captured my attention lately is one performed by Masaru Emoto, a Japanese researcher. It’s about having positive energy – being surrounded by it – and the affect it can have on us.

Mr Emoto published his findings in the book “The Message from Water.” In his experiments, he documented using pictures, how energy have an affect on water crystals when water drops were frozen.

There are many more pictures than what I am going to post, but these are the ones that stunned me the most:

First are the pictures of crystals in clean water; a baseline, if you will.
Sanbu-ichi Yusui Spring water


Shimanto River – referred to as the last clean stream in Japan


Antarctic Ice


This is water from Fujiwara Dam BEFORE offering a prayer


This is the same water AFTER receiving a blessing from a Zen Buddhist monk!


The study goes on to show gorgeous water crystals that are formed while listening to various types of classic music.

The most stunning part of this study came after Mr. Emoto had made the previous observations. He went on to find out if our thoughts and words have an affect on the untreated, distilled water crystals. He typed up words on a piece of paper and taped it to the glass bottles overnight. He also typed up the names of two deceased famous people and taped those to glass bottles overnight.

Here’s what he found:


“Adolph Hitler”
“You make me sick, I will kill you”

“Mother Teresa”

“Thank You”

“Love and Appreciation”

Approximately 65% of the human body is made up of water (some say 90%, but most agree its closer to 65%). So the next time you think that negative self talk doesn’t have an affect, think again. The words we say, feel and think do affect us and the people around us!

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Happy Birthday to April!

Last weekend I flew to LA to wish April a happy birthday - this being the last year in her 20s (rough, eh?).

It was very nice to be away from the weather here in SLC, but more than that I really wanted to be there for her b-day. We had an eventful weekend.

Saturday: I flew in early. Sandy had made some really great pistachio cupcakes for April's bday party. She really wanted to put Butter Cream frosting on them (with a hint of rose essence). Sounded good to me.

We jumped right in to making it according to the directions.... and... well, it didn't work out very well. So we went for round two. And....well....it also didn't work very well. So while April and I ran to the store, Sandy made a frosting of whipped cream and frosting.....it was so good. (didn't look pretty, but was yummilicous)

We headed to the beach for what promised to be a fun afternoon turned evening around the fire. Well...that didn't work out too well. The wind had other plans... and we were sandblasted in our faces. OUCH!

So after waiting for about an hour and half (holding out hope for the wind to subside), we headed over to April's friend's house. Miles was gracious enough to allow us to intrude on his house on very short notice.

He has cats, and my allergies responded immediately...so I popped a benadryl and went on loopy mode through the rest of the party....but it was really fun. A bit hazy, but fun.

I hope April had a good bday (despite the various changes in plans).

Sunday, we drove up the coast. It was a wonderful day - sunny and bright - and the ocean beckoned sight seers and photographers and surfers and swimmers and you name it. The beaches were covered with people enjoying the perfectness of the day.

All too soon, I was back at the airport heading home. I'll have to go for a longer period next time.

As usual, I took galores of pictures. Here are my faves:

Mason


Mason
Jenny and Finley