Swing Safety, Santa Suit, and a New Cousin

Bill finally captured Sandy tipping out of her swing on video. It is a rather long video, but quite funny!



She is wearing a Santa suit my mom got for her. Bill took some pictures of her in it and we are hoping to use one of them for Christmas cards.

Also, Sandy has a new cousin: Beatrix. We went to meet Beatrix and here are some pictures of the cousins (including Beatrix's older brother Enoch).

This picture is of the two girls. I am so excited that Sandy has a cousin her age on both sides of the family. Beatrix is only 6 months younger. On the other side of the family, Lexie is only 1 month younger.

Enoch really enjoyed dessert!

Shopping Entertainment and Swings

After a long day of Christmas shopping, Sandy and I stopped by Walmart to pick up a couple of items. Sandy was no longer interested in the toys I had with me, so when I found the first thing on my list (a package of baby spoons) I gave it to her to play with and went to find the rest of the items on my list. She was quiet and so I didn't pay much attention to her for a few minutes. Here is what the package of spoons looked like:



She loves her swing. Here's a short video of her in it.



The last couple of days, Bill and I have found her in her swing but with her head down on the ground. I have no idea how she manages that. Tonight we put her in her swing and tried to get it on film. Of course, she wouldn't do it when we were watching.

I did get a cute picture of Bill holding her, a rarity since he is usually the one behind the camera.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! I have so many things to be grateful for. This year I am most grateful for Sandy. I hope someday I can tell her how much we wanted her to join our family. I'm grateful for Bill. He's a wonderful husband, and he makes it possible for me to stay home with Sandy. I'm grateful for both of our families.



We went to Doug & Jaydene's for Thanksgiving dinner. I made two pies: a lemon meringue and a coconut cream. I was pleased with how the lemon meringue turned out. I wasn't as happy with the coconut cream. I liked the crust, but the filling reminded me of suntan lotion. Next time I make a coconut cream pie I'll try an instant coconut pudding for the filling. Pictures and recipes of both pies are below.


Here is Sandy sitting with her Aunt Heather and Uncle Jared. There were several shots that would have been adorable if they hadn't been blurry. This was the least blurry.




Here is a picture of Sandy playing with her cousin Christian.



Kelsie watched Sandy while Bill & I went to see the new James Bond. We enjoyed it. It was nice to go to a movie. We haven't been to the theatre since before Sandy was born (we saw Get Smart on her due date, June 20).


Lemon Meringue Pie
Makes one 9-inch pie



Pie Crust
1-1/4 (6-1/4 oz) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 TBSP sugar
3 TBSP vegetable shortening chilled
4 TBSP cold unsalted butter cut into 1/4 inch pieces
4-5 TBSP ice water
1/2 cup finely crushed graham crackers


Lemon Filling
1 cup (7 oz sugar)
1/4 cup (1 oz cornstarch)
1/8 tsp salt
1-1/2 cups cold water
6 large egg yolks
1 TBSP grated zest and 1/2 cup juice from 2 or 3 lemons
2 TBSP unsalted butter


Meringue
1 TBSP cornstarch
1/3 cup water
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 cup (3-1/2 oz) sugar
4 large egg whites
1/2 tsp vanilla extract


Pie Crust
1. Process the flour, salt, and sugar in a food processor until combined. Add the shortening and process until the mixture has the texture of coarse sand, about 10 seconds. Scatter the butter pieces over the flour mixture; cut the butter into the flour until the mixture is pale yellow and resembles coarse crumbs, with butter bits no larger than small peas, about ten 1-second pulses. Turn the mixture into a medium bowl.


2. Sprinkle 4 TBSP of the ice water over the mixture. With a rubber spatula, use a folding motion to mix. Press down on the dough with the broad side of the spatula until the dough sticks together, adding up to 1 TBSP more ice water if the dough will not come together. Flatten the dough into a 4-inch disk. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 2 days before rolling.

3. Remove the dough from the refrigerator (if refrigerated longer than 1 hour, let stand at room temperature until malleable). Sprinkle the work surface with 2 TBSP graham cracker crumbs and roll out to a 12-inch circle, sprinkling additional graham cracker crumbs underneath and on top of the dough as it is rolled. Fit the dough into a 9-inch pie plate, trim, and flute edges. Refrigerate the dough-lined pie plate until firm, about 40 minutes, then freeze until very cold, about 20 minutes.

4. Adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position and heat the oven to 375 degrees. Remove the dough-lined pie plate from the freezer, press a doubled 12-inch piece of heavy-duty foil inside the pie shell, and fold the edges of the foil to shield the fluted edge; distribute 2 cups pie weights (or beans or pennies) over the foil. Bake, leaving the foil and weights in place until the dough looks dry and is light in color, 25 to 30 minutes. Carefully remove the foil and weights and continue baking until deep golden brown, about 12 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before making pie filling.


Lemon Filling
Mix the sugar, cornstarch, salt, and water in a large nonreactive saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking occasionally at the beginning of the process and more frequently as the mixture begins to thicken. When the mixture starts to simmer and turns translucent, whisk in the egg yolks, two at a time. Whisk in the zest, then the lemon juice, and finally the butter. Bring the mixture to a good simmer, whisking constantly. Remove from the heat; place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the filling to keep it hot and prevent a skin from forming.


Meringue
Mix the cornstarch with the water in a small saucepan; bring to a simmer, whisking occasionally at the beginning and more frequently as the mixture thickens. When the mixture starts to simmer and turns translucent, remove from the heat.

Adjust oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 325 degrees. Mix the cream of tartar and sugar together. Beat the egg whites and vanilla until frothy. Beat in the sugar mixture, 1 TBSP at a time, until the sugar is incorporated and mixture forms soft peaks. Add the cornstarch mixture, 1 TBSP at a time, until the sugar is incorporated and the mixture forms soft peaks. Add the cornstarch mixture, 1 TBSP at a time; continue to beat the meringue to stiff peaks. Remove the plastic from the lemon filling and return to very low heat during the last minute or so of beating the meringue (to ensure the filling is hot).

Pour the hot filling into the pie shell. Using a rubber spatula, immediately distribute the meringue evenly around the edge and then the center of the pie crust to keep it from sinking into the filling. Make sure the meringue attaches to the pie crust to prevent shrinking. Use the back of a spoon to create peaks all over the meringue. Bake the pie until the meringue is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool to room temperature. Serve the same day.


Coconut Cream Pie
Makes one 9-inch pie



Crust
6 ounces animal crackers
2 TBSP shredded coconut
1 TBSP granulated sugar
4 TBSP unsalted butter, melted and cooled


Filling
I didn't care for the filling in the recipe, next time I think I'll try it with instant coconut pudding.


Whipped Cream and Garnish
1-1/2 cups heavy cream (cold)
2 TBSP granulated sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 TBSP shredded coconut toasted in a small dry skillet until golden brown

For the crust, adjust oven rack to a lower-middle position and heat the oven to 325 degrees. In a food processor, pulse animal crackers, coconut, and sugar to fine crumbs, 18 to 20 1-second pulses. Then process until powdery, about 5 seconds. Transfer crumbs to medium bowl, add butter, and stir until crumbs are evenly moistened. Empty crumbs into a 9-inch pie plate and press into bottom and up sides. Bake until fragrant and medium brown, about 15 minutes, rotating pie shell halfway through baking time. Set on a wire rack and cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.


Prepare the filling. Once soft set, spoon into pie crust, press plastic wrap directly against the surface of the filling, and refrigerate until firm.


For the whipped cream, just before serving beat cream, sugar, and vanilla with electric mixer until soft peaks form, 1-1/2 to 2 minutes. Top pie with whipped cream then sprinkle with coconut. (If you want to add the cream before you are ready serve, heat 2 tsp unflavored gelatin and 2 tsp water in a small measuring cup over the stove, stirring constantly. When it thickens and turns translucent, remove from heat and very slowly add to the cream while whipping.)

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today is my Mom's birthday so I thought I'd take a minute to wish her a happy day! I had hoped to get pictures of her with Sandy when she was here in November, but didn't manage to get them. So, here are a few pictures from Sandy's baby blessing in September.

Our Other Baby

Tonight, I curled up on the couch next to Bill and we watched Breach*. Partway through the movie I looked down and found Sage curled up on Sandy's boppy pillow. Apparently it was comfortable because she stayed there while I paused the movie, turned on the lights, and took some pictures.

* Breach is based on a true story and is about a young FBI agent that helps convict one of the greatest spies in American history. It was an excellent movie and I highly recommend it. Rated PG-13.

Aunt Kelsie

My sister, Kelsie, is staying with us for a few days. She and Sandy are getting in some quality time. It's fun to see them together!

Family Photos

Yesterday we went to the park and took family photos. Here are a few of my favorite shots.

Just-out-of-the-shower Clean

Don't you love to be just-out-of-the-shower clean? I do! It doesn't seem to last very long with a baby, though.

Last night I showered, gave Sandy a bath, and had just gotten us both dried off and dressed when...

Sandy projectile vomited. It must have flown 3 feet. I fed her and she did it three more times. We were both drenched.

I called the pediatrician emergency line to see if I needed to do anything. The pediatrician on call asked a few questions: color of vomit (clear), does she appear dehydrated (no), and does she seem upset or in pain (no). He said to keep an eye on her hydration levels and that she would probably be just fine. It hasn't happened since and she has been eating, so I guess there is nothing to worry about...

Baby Legs & Birthdays

Bill took some pictures of Sandy after church. We try to take pictures of her every Sunday.

She is wearing purple polka dotted leg warmers. They are called "baby legs" and Grandma Gingie gave them to her. I think they are absolutely adorable. Not to mention very convenient when it comes to changing diapers.

Speaking of changing diapers...

We also went to Doug & Jaydene's house to celebrate Bill & Eric's birthdays. I made Bill's cake, it was German Chocolate. Yum!

Here is Eric blowing out his candles.

We also tried an impromptu family photo.

Email Questionnaire

I was cleaning out my email inbox and came across this forward from a friend. I thought I'd fill it out and post it here.

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
The main character in The Thorn Birds. My mom read the book when she was pregnant and liked the name.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
The first time I saw Sandy because I was so happy, relieved, exhausted... Actually, probably I did cry a couple of times after that because of the post-baby hormones.

3. Do you like your handwriting
If I take my time, which I don’t often do.

4 . WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
turkey

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
One, Sandy is 4 months old

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Of course. Does anyone say no to this?

7. Do YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
No.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS ?
Yes.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Probably not, but I guess if the stakes were high enough ($20 million?) I might.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Depends on the day – cinnamon toast crunch and honey bunches of oats are high on my list.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
No.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Emotionally yes...

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Caramel swirl

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Whether or not they look me in the eyes.

15. RED OR PINK?
Red

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF?
Wide feet, at least that’s what I’m willing to share at the moment.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST
My sister Molly. I liked when she lived in town. Now her husband’s in dental school and they live in Ohio. She has a daughter the same age as Sandy.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
Post it on your blog, I’ll see it.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
I’m wearing purple and pink striped pajama bottoms and no shoes.

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Animal Crackers

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW
Sandy cooing. She’s sitting in my lap while I type.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
purple

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Laundry after it has dried in the sun. Of course, I always think of sheets my Great-Grandma Grant hung outside her mountain home. I’ve tried it in my home here in the city and don’t like the smell.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Gary from Vonage… sorting out phone issues.

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS?
Absolutely – it came from Lisa Holliday

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
I’m not much of a sports fan. I do like going to live games, no matter the sport, though.

27. HAIR COLOR ?
brown

28. EYE COLOR?
brown

29. Do you wear contacts
Nope, I had corrective surgery a few years ago and love being able to see the alarm clock in the morning!

30. FAVORITE FOODS?
I like most things… I love mashed potatoes, pasta in white sauces, homemade macaroni and cheese, nicely grilled salmon and chicken…

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
I don’t remember… Big Fish, maybe.

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
pink

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Autumn

35. HUGS OR KISSES?
hugs

36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Bread pudding

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
no idea!

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND
still no idea!

39. What book are you reading now?
Five Smooth Stones by Ann Fairbairn. It is the story of a black man born in New Orleans during the depression. It’s given me some new insights into racism and the civil rights movement. I highly recommend it.

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Advertisment for CITRIX thin-client systems… It’s Bill’s.

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V.. LAST NIGHT?
didn't watch tv last night

42. FAVORITE SOUND?
Sandy giggling.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Probably Alberta, Canada for my sister Rosie’s wedding

45. Any new news in your life?
Nothing comes to mind…

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Logan, Utah

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
everybody!

48. WHAT TIME IS IT NOW?
10:23 and Sandy is asleep.

My Little Bookworm

Sandy loves paper, especially if I happen to be reading the newspaper or a book. This afternoon I was reading Five Smooth Stones by Ann Fairbairn while I fed Sandy. She fell asleep so I left her in my bed with the book next to her. After awhile I heard a rustling sound coming from the bedroom. When I went to investigate, this is what I found:

Exersaucer

We broke out the exersaucer we borrowed from my brother today and put Sandy in it. She wasn't sure what to think of it at first, but she was checking out the toys with her favorite sense - taste.

Primary Program

Today in church we had the annual Primary Program. The kids did a great job. I'm in the Primary Presidency, so I was up on the stand. Bill kept Sandy through Sacrament meeting. He also got her ready for church (I laid out her clothes) and brought her to church. He is such a good dad!

When Bill got home from dealing with tithing, he took this picture of Sandy in her swing.

My Family in Town

I'm always happy to have my family in town. My mom flew in from South Dakota Wednesday and left this morning. She stayed with us and it has been wonderful. She watched Sandy last night so Bill and I could go out on a date. We went dancing at the Murray Arts Center. We took a Mambo lesson and a West Coast Swing lesson. It was a lot of fun and we planned to stay out until midnight, but we were so tired we came home at 10:30.

My sisters, Rosie and Kelsie, drove up from Rexburg, Idaho. We saw them at the viewing Thursday night and the funeral on Friday. At the end of the funeral, the grandkids and great-grandkids stood up and sang "God Be with You til We Meet Again." Bill was holding Sandy and she started kicking Rosie, who was in front of her.

Rosie and Sandy

After the funeral, we went to Grandpa's house. We took a few pictures.

Grandpa, Mom, Kelsie, Rosie, Sandy, Me, Bill

Grandpa, Mom, Kelsie, Rosie, Sandy, Bill, Gayla

Kelsie, Rosie, Sandy

Happy Birthday, Bill!

Today is Bill's birthday, he is turning 32. It hasn't been much of a celebration day. He had to go to work all day then school tonight, and I attended my great-grandma's viewing tonight. So I made German pancakes for breakfast, and he opened presents when we all got home. Tomorrow he has the day off, though, and I'm planning a birthday dinner with cupcakes and candles.

My sister, Molly, posted answers to a husband questionnaire on her blog on her anniversary. I thought I'd do the same here in honor of Bill's birthday.

1-What is his name: Douglas William Buhler, but he goes by Bill. It still throws me every time someone refers to him as Douglas.

2- Where did you meet? A singles ward, the University of Utah 46th Ward. We were both on the Activities Committee. Bill remembers meeting me in January and remembers sharing a beanbag chair at a Valentine FHE. My first memory of him is in March. We had a movie night activity and I brought a projector, but didn’t know how to get the sound to work. Bill got everything to work and I was impressed.

3- How long did you date before you were married? Hmm… It depends on what counts as dating. We met in January (16 months), the ward informed us we were dating around April (1 year), I decided I was interested in Bill in May (11 months), I asked Bill if I should wait to see if our relationship went anywhere before submitting mission papers in July (9 months) but he said no, in September he changed his mind (7 months), in October he asked my dad for permission to ask me to marry him and got told no (6 months), and in December I decided not to go on a mission and my dad told him yes (4 months).

4- How long have you been married for? 2 ½ years (April 8, 2006)

5- Who said I love you first? Bill.

6-When and where was your first kiss? At my house. I can’t remember exactly when it happened… I would guess, but Bill will know and correct me.

7- Who kissed who first? He kissed me first.

8- Who proposed? Bill did. He was determined to get my dad’s permission before he asked me. My dad told him yes at the end of December but asked him to wait until I worked out some health issues. My mom told me about their conversation, though, so we went ahead and started planning the wedding. My uncle made my wedding ring and Bill waited until it came to officially propose. He took me to Market Street Grill in February or March (once again, Bill will know) and I knew he had the ring so I kept picking through my food looking for it. I even ordered dessert – even though I was full – because I thought my ring might come out with it. After dessert, he gave me a dozen red roses and my ring and proposed.

9-What's your favorite thing to do as a couple? Bill loves to go dancing and I wish I could say that was our favorite thing, but we haven’t been in a long time. At one time I would have said walking, but that’s another thing we haven’t done much lately between his work and school schedule. I’d have to say just talking and spending time together.

10-Do you have kids? How many? We have one baby girl, Sandy.

11- What does he do that surprises you? Any time I ask Bill to do something he does it – and usually does it immediately, but he doesn’t usually say he will and sometimes even acts like he won’t. Then I come across what he did and I’m always surprised.

12- What's your favorite feature about him? His eyes.

13- What's your favorite quality about him? His respect for other people, he treats everyone with great respect.

14- Does he have a nickname for you? He calls me Megs sometimes, which I like.

15- What's his favorite color? Blue.

16- What's his favorite food? His Grandma Buhler’s round steak with mushroom gravy (which I’ve attempted and he says is a good match) and her fried chicken (which I haven’t attempted).

17-What is his favorite sport? Does ballroom dancing count as a sport?

18- What's a hidden talent that he has? He can rewrite lyrics to songs instantly to fit any situation.

19- How old is he? 32

20- What's his favorite type of music? Bill has very eclectic taste in music. For example, all of these artists appeared on his birthday request list this year: Blood Sweat and Tears, Peter Breinholt, Belinda Carlisle, Carpenters, Phillip Glass, Jazz (no particular artist mentioned on his list), No Doubt, Pink Martini, and Jon Schmidt. I’ve only heard of half of the artists on his list, but I almost always like the music he has playing.

21- What do you admire most about him? His ability to diffuse tense situations.

22-What's his favorite past time? Searching the Internet, always researching something.

23- Do you think he is going to read this? Yes, and he will probably have a list of corrections to post in the comments. Bill has an incredible memory and I have a very poor one, so I defer in advance to any corrections he might post.

24- Who eats more? Me

25- Who is taller? Him.

26- Who sings better? Definitely Bill, he has a great voice. He laughs at me for following whomever I am sitting next to in church – even following him through the bass part sometimes.

27- Who is smarter? Him. Bill knows how everything works – or finds out if he doesn’t.

28- Who does the laundry? Me.

29- Who pays the bills? We’re still working that out. It was him, but now that I’m staying home we’re transitioning to me.

30- Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Bill.

31- Who mows the lawn? Bill. I’ve never mowed a lawn in my life.

32- Who cooks dinner? Since Sandy was born and I’ve become a stay at home mom, I’ve cooked dinner. But Bill is an excellent cook and very capable and willing to cook.

33- Who drives? Bill. I’d rather he drive, and he’d rather he drive. Shortly before we got married, I rented a rental car that was wider than I was used to. He was very disturbed by my driving that day. I’m sure he’ll elaborate if you ask him.

34- Who is more stubborn? Bill.

35- Who has more friends? Bill has more friends. He keeps in touch with friends much better than I do. He would argue that I have more friends, but that’s because I meet people easily and have lots of acquaintances. For example, I know more people we go to church with, but Bill has more friends that we do things with.

36- Who is more sensitive? Me.

37- Who has more siblings? Bill. He comes from a family of 7, I come from a family of 5.

38- Who wears the pants? Can we share the pants?

39- Who controls the T.V. remote? Bill.

40- Whose temper is worse? Mine. Bill rarely gets angry.

41- Who does the dishes? Usually me. But when they get backed up, I can get overwhelmed. Then Bill will do a load of dishes and get it back to where I feel that it is manageable and can finish.

42- Who is the first to admit they are wrong? Bill is always quick to apologize and make up, even if he isn’t wrong.

43- Whose parents do you see more often? His, they live in town and mine live in South Dakota.

Election Recap

Well, I was wrong on my prediction on the presidential election. However, I am impressed to see most people moving on and supporting the new president regardless of what way they voted. I like President Elect Obama's optimism and I hope we will have a great four years with him leading this country.

I was correct on every other prediction on this election. I'm quite impressed with Utah voters for defeating one of the constitutional amendments. There was no publicity, no argument against it in the voter information handbook, but the voters read the law and must have seen some of the same red flags that Bill and I did. Hooray for democracy and informed voters!

I Voted!

Bill & I voted early this morning and Sandy came with us. This was Sandy's first election. The last time Bill and I voted (in the Primary) was on the way to the hospital the morning she was born.

It was a long ballot. We voted for 11 offices, whether or not to retain 15 judges, five constitutional amendments, and two propositions. We make a reasonable effort to follow the news, but it is always a challenge to be an informed voter. Last night we spent a couple of hours going through the voter information pamphlet, reading up on candidates and issues, and discussing who and what we would vote for. Sometimes we cancel each others vote on certain issues, but this election we seemed to be in agreement on most points.

Here are my predictions for this election.

National

I predict a narrow McCain/Palin victory in the Presidential election, followed by a string of lawsuits challenging the victory that makes the Bush-Gore chad debate seem like a friendly disagreement. I realize the polls list McCain as behind (by 4% in all but the most liberal media sources, which say by 12%), but I think McCain will pick up the difference in higher voter turnout.

Rob Bishop will keep his legislative seat. It's noteworthy that he was the only Utah legislator that didn't vote for the recent bailout plan.

State

Governor Huntsman will remain Utah's governor. I think he's done a pretty good job, he has high approval ratings, and his opponents ran very quiet campaigns (I couldn't even name his opponents until I looked in the voter handbook).

Although Mark Shurtleff will probably remain State Attorney General, I personally don't like him. Bill & I attended a dinner where he spoke and it was painful. He started out by thanking all of the businessmen and their wives that were attending, and the sexist comments only got worse as his speech went on. We voted for the Libertarian candidate, Andrew McCullough.

I think incumbent Auston G. Johnson III will stay as State Auditor. We didn't know much about him, so we figured he is probably doing a fine job. The Salt Lake Tribune endorsed him. Not our finest moment in informed voting...

We voted for Richard Ellis as State Treasurer, believing him to be the most qualified candidate.

For State Representative, I predict Jackie Biskupski will keep her seat. We didn't vote for her, but based on the lawn signs in the area I don't think our vote will do much damage.

County

For County offices, I think Peter Corroon and Randy Horiuchi will get re-elected. We like Corroon, but Bill doesn't like that Horiuchi has been on the County Council since 1991.

School Board

How do you decide who to vote for on the school board? We searched and found brief statements from each candidate printed in The Salt Lake Tribune. I read the statements and then decided to vote for the incumbents, Randall A. Mackey and Heather Bennett. I think this was one place Bill and I disagreed because there was something in one of the incumbent's statements that bothered him.

Judges

Judges are another tricky one to decide who to vote for. I predict that the judges will remain because most people will vote straight yes (I admit that I did that until Bill introduced me to the lawyer and juror ratings in the Voter Information Handbook). We voted yes for everyone that had higher than 70 percent ratings across the board (12 of the 15 judges) and no for those that didn't (John Paul Kennedy, Denise Posse Lindberg, and Andrew A. Valdez).

Constitutional Amendments

I predict all five constitutional amendments will pass. I didn't even know there would be constitutional amendments on the ballot until I looked in the Voter Information Handbook. Also, there was no argument listed against any of the five proposed amendments. We voted no on the fifth one, though, which allows the state to invest money in newly issued stock or bonds of private companies. The state isn't currently allowed to do that because there was a historic concern that the state would put public funds at risk by investing in the railroads to encourage them to come to Utah. I think the risks are even high now with a shaky stock market and the rate that startup companies go out of business.

Propositions

I predict that both propositions will pass. We voted yes for funding for the Tracy Aviary. The Aviary needs the funding for improvements necessary to get their accreditation status back. We voted no on the Zoo because their need isn't as great as the Aviary and we were only inclined to support one bond in this election. The Zoo also consistently asks for more money and fails to follow through on its promises to raise money through private donations. I'd also like to see both of these institutions offer a discount to Salt Lake County voters since we keep voting them more money.

What are your predictions for this election?

Remember to Vote Tomorrow

I'm excited to go vote tomorrow, but not nearly as excited as I am for campaign season to end.

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The Passing on of a Generation

My great-grandmother passed away yesterday and so today I am reminiscing about her.

She was independent. She lived in her own house until she had a stroke last week.

She was observative. She watched people and was very aware of her surroundings. For the last few years she's had an increasingly difficult time hearing, but even if she didn't hear the exact words in a conversation I don't think she missed a single thing.

We commiserated about being single. She was a widow for 10 years and I was also single for many of those years.

Although she didn't say a lot, I felt that she was aware of and cared about what was going on in my life. At my baby shower she quietly hugged me and acknowledged I had waited a long time for this baby. I am grateful we were able to get five generation photos with her and Sandy this summer.

Her birthday is December 23, and every year on that day her family gathers together for a birthday/Christmas celebration. I've been able to attend several of these celebrations and I hope they'll continue now that she is gone.

Grandma June was my last living great grandparent, and so this is a milestone in my life as well. I've been very blessed to know almost all of my great-grandparents. I even had great-great grandparents when I was born and have two five generation pictures.

How about you, readers? How many generations of your family have you known? Share a memory of one of your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents in the comments.

Welcome to My Blog

Welcome to my blog! I'm a faithful reader of many blogs, mostly those of family and friends, and finally decided to start my own. I hope to use this blog as a way to express my thoughts, keep a record of my family's comings and goings, and share pictures and anecdotes with family and friends.

This is my family. Bill & I (married 2006) have one daughter, Sandy (born June 2008).

Enjoy!