Snapshot #280: Marriott School Convocation 2011

April 22, 2011.  Provo, Utah.  We are all so proud of Dave!  My family drove through the night to get here.  My favorite picture is the one of them sleeping while the great multitude of students were walking.  I am SO grateful for the sacrifices that they make to support me and my husband!  I love you guys with all my heart.  Thank you for your support...it means more than you will ever know.

Snapshot #279: BYU Commencement 2011

April 21, 2011.  Provo, UT.  I am a proud wife of a BYU Marriott School grad!  Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke at Commencement this evening.  It was a humbling address as he noted several times, "This world is in serious trouble."

Snapshot #278: Refreshing Kitchen Design

April 20, 2011.  Draper, UT.  I visited a client today in order to take measurements to bid her a bench for the mud room of her new home.  The existing kitchen was very appealing.  What I liked most was:  the color, the absence of a glaze, the simple door style, and the extension of the cabinets all the way to the ceiling.  Refreshing!  

Snapshot #277: Team AKBAR

April 19, 2011.  Provo, Utah.  Tonight Dave had a going-away party with his Marriott School team.  They got him to go Bowling...I was impressed; I have not been able to get Dave to go bowling since we've met.  I needed the photos for proof.

Snapshot #276: Wolf Krest Mansion

April 18, 2011.  Salt Lake City, UT.  I went downtown today to measure for a kitchen and saw a beautiful house in the distance on a hill, so I decided to explore.  Turns out it was Capitol Hill.  I was so captivated by the yellow (my most favorite color) mansion, that I locked my keys in the car.  Nevertheless I got some great pictures while I waited for Dave to come rescue me (that is until the rain came).  

Snapshot #275: Free Design

April 15, 2011.  Draper, Utah.  Have you ever had one of those weeks when you spend 16 hours designing a client's kitchen, only to have them take pictures of your design to show another cabinet-maker to build?  This week has been one of THOSE weeks.

Snapshot #274: April Showers

April 9, 2011.  Provo, Utah.  April showers in Utah mean rain AND snow.  Can you find the 'Y' on 'Y' Mountain?  I promise, it's there.

Snapshot #273: "Lamb of God"

April 8, 2011.  Salt Lake City, Utah.  This evening Dave and I accompanied my mother and my aunts to the historic tabernacle on temple square and were privileged to witness a live performance of Rob Gardner's "Lamb of God". Music is a powerful thing.  This composition told the story of Jesus Christ's last 7 days on earth, including His excruciating hours spent in Gethsemane.  My favorite song was Peter's "I Cannot Watch Them".  I kept wondering, during Jesus' final hours, where were His friends?


No. 9 'I Cannot Watch Them'
Peter
What have I done?
Denied Him?
What have I done?
So now am I no different from the men
Who take thy bread then turn again? Oh...
What have I done?
I hear their filthy tongues, their vicious scorn,
The lies they spin with Satan's yarn.
I watch them spit and strike Thy face,
They mock Thy name in foul disgrace.
And when Thou lookest for a friend,
Thou findest none, for I have fled,
Oh God!
What have I done?
As Thou hast taken stripes for me,
Could I not take but one for Thee?
I cannot watch them take my Lord.
I can't endure their cruel hands upon Him,
While his own hands are tied with cord,
Those hands with pow'r to raise the dead,
Command the storm, now bound instead, and
I cannot hear them mock His name.
I cannot bear their foul breath upon Him.
I dare not look upon His face
And see the very Son of God,
His brow so bruised ans stained with blood
His eyes that shed my sorrows tears,
And watch as all hope disappears.
I will not watch them crucify my Lord!
For I know this Man!
I know Him!
I know this Man!
I cannot watch what He must bear.
For surely He must carry all my burden.
Forgive me, Lord, that I'm not there...
But, when my eyes are closed in death, 
These words will hang on my last breath:
I know Him.

Snapshot #272: Plate Racks

April 7, 2011.  Draper, Utah.  I've discovered that I am more country at heart than I ever wanted to admit.  (Dave swears he always knew the country side of me would win over this side).  My new favorite thing is plate racks.  

Snapshot #271: Really Green Drink

April 6, 2011.  Orem, Utah.  It tastes a lot better than it looks...trust me.  (That's what I tell Dave)

Snapshot #270: 911

April 5, 2011.  Orem, Utah.  I nearly skipped this post, due to embarrassment.  Nevertheless, it was by far the most exciting thing to happen today.  Last night I woke up in the middle of the night and asked Dave to call 911 because it felt like my heart was about to stop.  I had been dealing with a severe headache four days running (not normal for me); woke up in the night with a pounding heart and feverish red skin.  Heart started to slow...too slow...lost oxygen to my brain and all went black (though I never lost consciousness).  Scared me half to death.  Ended up in the ER.  (my first ever admittance to a hospital)  After several x-rays and a CT scan doctors found nothing.  Now I'm back home, recuperating, taking the day off.  Perhaps it's time to de-stress my life and detox my body.

Snapshot #269: Seeking Out Charming

April 4, 2011.  Orem, UT.  Starting today I have a two-week period within to find the perfect place to live in San Jose.  I am not interested in large, yet highly interested in "charming."  If I can find a place in the next two weeks, then we can move our belongings and allow a summer intern to sub-lease the furnished home for the summer (thus eliminating high stress in August with the move and the baby all happening at the same time).  If I don't find us a place, we'll have to wait until August to move our belongings. 

Snapshot #268: Homemade Egg Rolls

April 4, 2011.  Orem, Utah.  For Dinner Dave and I made homemade egg rolls.  This was our first attempt at egg rolls and it went so well I am sure we will be doing it again.

Snapshot #267: Debating Cloth Diapers

April 2, 2011.   Orem, Utah.  Four months to go until our baby girl lights up our life.  The debate is on:  Cloth vs. Disposable Diapers?  Cloth diapers seem almost romantic; meaning idyllic and optimistic.  However I am somewhat daunted by the practicalities of them.  What are your thoughts on the subject? 

Snapshot #266: The Name Game

April 1, 2011.  Orem, Utah.  I have already just about driven Dave mad with the name game.  I enjoy it too much.  I can't help myself.  How often in your life do you get the privilege to name somebody?!  It's probably the coolest thing I will ever do.  

As of today, top on my list are Hazel Rose, Jayne Estelle, Anastasia, and Julia.

Snapshot #265: Lela's Library in Progress

March 31, 2011.  Riverton, UT.  Before 'work' today I went to Lela's and oversaw the installation of draperies for her sitting room.  We're nearly done...in time we will paint the walls, replace the mauve carpet, and deliver the ottomans.

Snapshot #264: Join the Change

March 30, 2011.  Provo, Utah.  This week Zaytoon got some good press in the Daily Universe on BYU campus.  Lately I've been attending weekly Cultural Trainings in preparation for the trip.  Did you know that it's extremely offensive to show a Jordanian the bottom of your shoe?

Snapshot #263: Contemplating a Half Marathon

March 29, 2011.  Orem, Utah.  I am going to enter a race this year...now it's just a matter of determining when, where, and distance.  I might try for the St. George Half Marathon; entry cap is limited to 7400 runners however.  Dang.

Snapshot #262: Ahuachapan, El Salvador

March 28, 2011.  Orem, Utah.  This evening I re-connected with a family that I met in Ahuachapan, El Salvador more than 8 years ago as a missionary for the church.  I spent a lot of time with this family and introduced them to the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The oldest son recently returned from a mission of his own.  Thanks to Facebook we all "chatted" online for several hours.  It was beyond cool reminiscing the happy days I spent in their beautiful country.   

Snapshot #261: Easter Choir

March 27, 2011.  Orem, Utah.  Dave is the chorister for our ward choir...a challenge that he sometimes absolutely loves, other times not so much.  It has certainly been a challenge getting people to come to practice on a consistent basis.  This is the song we are preparing for Easter.  Listen here for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing "As The Bridegroom To His Chosen."  Now if only Dave can get our small ward choir to sound so angelic...a task I'm convinced only he could do.

Snapshot #260: BYU Broadcasting Studio

March 25, 2011.  Provo, Utah.  Behind the Scenes of Morning Market Call.  

Snapshot #259: Mark Zuckerberg at BYU

March 25, 2011.  Provo, Utah.  My day off.  I went up to campus with Dave to see Mark Zuckerberg talk to his largest audience yet.  My favorite quote of the day, "Love and believe in what you're doing."  Oh yeah, Senator Orrin Hatch was also there. 

Snapshot #258: Old Homes

March 24, 2011.  Sandy, Utah.  Can't help myself.  When I see cool old homes I just have to stop and take a picture.  In addition to having two fireplaces, this home also has a greenhouse attached at the opposite facade.  Neat.

Snapshot #257: Green Drink

March 20, 2011.  Orem, Utah.  Starting the day off right with a "Green Drink".

Snapshot #256: Puzzling

March 19, 2011.  Orem, Utah.  We teeter-tottered back-and-forth between snow-shoeing the Wasatch or staying inside today.  Guess who won?

Snapshot #255: End of the Rainbow

March 15, 2011.  Orem, Utah.  I bet you didn't know that University Parkway was at the end of the rainbow.  

Snapshot #254: Freelance Consulting

March 14, 2011.  Highland, Utah.  I picked up a new client for my freelance work; offering consultation services for the selection of paint colors and interior finishes.  This will soon be an office for Millward Insurance Agency.

Snapshot #253: Home & Garden Expo

March 12, 2011.  Sandy,  Utah.  The Cabinet Gallery spent a whole lot of time and effort installing this kitchen for the Home & Garden Expo in Sandy.  I put in several long days over the weekend.

Snapshot #252: Sketch of a Fireplace Surround

March 10, 2011.  Draper, Utah.  Still working with what seems like an infinite number of clients.  Bidding, bidding, bidding.  I did however sell another big job.  Hip-hip hooray!  They will be getting a new kitchen as well as this new fireplace surround.

Snapshot #251: It's a Girl

March 8, 2011.  Orem, Utah.  I didn't want to break the big news (about gender) to Dave over the phone--certainly not via text message or email (our typical correspondence throughout a work day).  Instead I selfishly made him wait all the day long, then gave him a small gift to unwrap when I got home.  Inside was this darling pink onesie; inscribed, "My Heart Belongs to Daddy."  Ahhhhh

Snapshot #250: Ultrasound

March 7, 2011.  Riverton, Utah.  I had the incredible privilege to accompany our Angel Mother to her ultrasound today.  The most awesome part was witnessing that fast little heart beat just pumping and pumping.  Nearly took my breath away.  Oh yeah...and..It's A...

Snapshot #249: Carrot Cake

March 6, 2011.  Wendell, Idaho.  Nelson requested carrot cake for his birthday.  I made it for him from scratch and it was dee-lish!  

Snapshot #248: Burning Bush

March 5, 2011.  Wendell, Idaho.  Mom also had us clear some land for her new garden.  We happily obliged.  Who doesn't enjoy a little play with fire?

Snapshot #247: Pruning an Apple Tree

March 5, 2011.  Wendell, Idaho.  Living somewhat close to home, I try to make it to my parents to spend time with them on their birthdays.  Yesterday was Mom's birthday; so Dave and I are here doing our best to give advice on how to prune an apple tree (something we've never done before).  

Snapshot #246: American Gothic

March 4, 2011.  Wendell, Idaho.  Happy Birthday Mom.

Snapshot #245: Queen Alia International Airport

March 3, 2011.  Orem, Utah.  Skyline views of the Jordanian city of Amman.  We booked our flights late last night.  Dave will be going for 7 weeks in the Spring, and I for 3 weeks.  There's no turning back now.  This is getting exciting!

Snapshot #244: Turned Away

March 2, 2011.  Provo, Utah.  I stole this image from the internet.  I left work in time to make it to the BYU vs. New Mexico Men's Basketball game an hour early...assuming that would be enough time to get a decent seat.  I was wrong.  Dave and I were turned away at the door...All Sports Section already full for the night.  Instead we watched the game on campus in a classroom.  Turns out we weren't the only ones who didn't turn out for the game.  BYU loses 64-82.  Many more games like this and I'll end up with high blood pressure.  

Snapshot #243: "Never Let A Problem To Be Solved Become More Important Than A Person To Be Loved"

March 1, 2011.  Orem, Utah.  During my morning commute I often listen to discourses given by one of the Twelve Apostles of the LDS Church.  This morning I listened to one I go back to frequently--by President Monson.  His talk "Finding Joy in the Journey" is packed with tidbits of wisdom.  "Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved."  This advice helps to anchor the compass with which I direct my life.