Post of Pence

Technology!!!

2011-10-09T20:11:00.001-06:00

Computers have made our lives so easy , and so when they are not working as you need them too, you feel completely helpless! Yes I am married to a computer guy, but , its a long story.

Happy Valley!

2011-10-09T20:11:00.000-06:00

I used to become completely annoyed when people called Utah County, Happy Valley. I used to think, "what the heck?" Well this last week I had the unique privlege and very rare opportunity of driving into Salt Lake City by myself during rush hour and finding a place to park right in downtown. Now some of you may laugh and say "Salt Lake City? you are a big baby" . I do like Salt Lake City and have nothing against the place, its just that I was all by myself. I could not find suitable parking and by the time I parked and literally trotted to my appointed building I was a bit late, something that I abhor more than anything. As I left and proceeded to walk back to where I parked I had 3 different homeless gentlemen who where walking up and down the street and passed me about 20 times, over and over again. I was not worried , I could have taken all 3 of them at once, but it made me uncomfortable. I finally arrived safely to my car, whew I remembered which level I parked on and where the car was. I was so worried I would forget and have to wander aimlessly (Seinfeld episode) until I found it that I repeated the numbers over and over so many times that when I was given a code number to store my cellphone I was unable to remember that number to retrieve the phone. Just alot of stressing and worrying about alot of nothing, I'm good at that. I'm in Salt Lake, I thought, I should go someplace I normally don't go, shopping or to eat. I realized just how old I am getting. I just want to go home! I am such a home body. I love my home. It is a place of sanctuary, of safety , of peace. I will never be a world traveler! I loved coming to the point of the mountain and taking a sigh of relief, I'm home. Happy Valley? You Bet! and besides no one in Happy Valley charges me $6 to park to 2 hours. Well now you've all had a short peak into my crazy brain, frightening isn't it?

Craig Harvey Alonzo Pence

2011-05-29T20:56:00.002-06:00

I have the best 13 year old in the whole world! So...here are 13 things I love about Craig!
1. He is so handsome with his curly red hair and 6 feet of charm.
2. He has brought so much energy, love, and life to our family.
3. He can make his niece laugh no matter how cranky she is.
4. He loves to help me cook.
5. He is a hard worker.
6. He is a fiercely loyal brother to his brother and sister.
7. This being said, he can drive them both nuts! (love it)
8. He will always be my baby boy.
9. He can do a months worth of school work in 3days ;)
10. He honors his priesthood.
11. He looks SO good in his white shirt and tie passing the sacrament.
12. He is a good friend to many, but especially his momma
13. He is the best 13 year old son any mom could have.

I thank my Heavenly Father every night for "cracker". Love you bud!

The Wee Ones

2011-05-23T20:23:00.005-06:00

I have been pondering about the "children" in my life alot lately. Not so much the older children, but the wee ones. I am so blessed to have "little ones" in my life. I have always known that the Lord sent Craig into our family to bring love, closeness, energy, among many things, but personally he was such a blessing, as my 2 older children stretched and grew during their teen years, to have this little person in my life. Children have a totally different perspective and view on life. If you allow yourself to see the world through their eyes and focus on what they are focused on, life becomes much simpler. I was told as I was being set apart one time for a primary calling that the Lord would bless me to see the world through the eyes of the children I served.
What a blessing that has proved to be in my life. Playing the piano each week in primary is a 2 hour window I use to look into their eyes, watch them learn, misbehave, and most of all love. So now as my baby, Craig travels through his teens, the Lord has blessed me with nieces, nephews, and most of a all granddaughter, who reminds me to look at life simply. I am blessed!

I just can't help it.....

2011-02-14T15:48:00.002-07:00

I am laying in bed recuperating from surgery. I have been selfish in not telling anyone beyond close family. But I just can't help it....I don't want to make a big fuss. And I have enough of Elza in me that I feel very uncomfortable being served by others, I would much rather do the serving. My ward family is finding out and I have actually felt bad as dear sweet friends have checked in on me and offered to serve my family. I just can't help it....I'm part Elza, although I am kinder to the people in the hospital i.e. nurses etc than Grams ever was LOL! So I am recovering from a hysterectomy, I am suppose to "not do anything" for at least a week. (whatever that means) I am being good and staying in bed, loving my kindle and tv. My husband is an angel and Craig is very compassionate for a 13 year old. Maddy and Jeff made us dinner one night and Madi and Brandon did another night. So rest assured I am being taken care of. This is much easier than a c-section, believe me. I am having Maci withdrawals, as I was tending her 3 days a week, but her mommy is good to bring her over to visit Grams.

50th Wedding Anniversary

2011-02-14T15:31:00.003-07:00

Craig H. and Linda Smith celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday, Feb. 5th 2011 at Noah's with their family and friends. This only happened because my sister Lori , using her organizing skills, assigned us all a task to and took charge. What an awesome example Craig and Linda are to their family and friends. We love you!!

Flu Shots are Free!

2010-12-14T20:45:00.002-07:00

Due to my optimistic feelings when I ordered our flu shots for work this year , I way over ordered! Last year there were shortages and we sold out! This year everyone has flu shots and when the season is over we will just end up destroying 100's of shots. Thus, if you would like a flu shot, for no charge, come to Smith Rexall Drug, 10 South Main, Pleasant Grove, UT 801-785-3221. I would lots rather give them away then throw them away!!

My Family

2010-12-14T20:17:00.009-07:00

This is the Rick and Kris Pence family!

My kiddos!

More kiddos!

This is my 2 sisters, 3 brothers, their spouses and my mom and dad!

We actually got the whole entire family together for pictures. All 40 of us! This is the Craig and Linda Smith family. It was cold but we sucked it up.

Its great to have a record of our family, but I will be honest as always, next time we are hiring McKay! he's good

Of all the pictures that have been taken....

2010-10-21T10:23:00.002-06:00

This is my favorite!!

May 19th, 2010

2010-05-19T15:57:00.004-06:00

Today is May 19, 2010 and I need to tell you 19 things I am grateful for:

1. The love of my life, Ricky Lane
2. Being a mom, thanks Madi, Jeff, and Craig
3. My cozy little home, full of history and love
4. That I finally planted tulips last fall
5. being born of goodly parents
6. a car, that starts, runs, and doesn't complain
7. my brother doug, for being patient enough to be my business partner
8. ditto for Chris C.
9. that I get to work everyday with my daughter and now sometimes my son
10. that Craig has red hair!
11. Brandon, a son in law you dream about, also someone to watch sports with and one of the
kindest people I know. Plus he laughs at my jokes.
12. Miss Maddy B. for her beautiful smile and twinkly eyes and her ability to humble my son.
13. Harry. A super example, a great friend, and the best neighbor
14. employees who clean
15. reruns of the Andy Griffith show
16. the memories I have of my grandmas and the ability I have to still feel their influence
17. primary
18. my Kindle
19. My extended family

you know once you get started its hard to stop at 19.
PS I can't forget how grateful I am that I will soon be a grandma!

Jeffreys Birthday!

2010-04-07T20:47:00.001-06:00

The good, the bad, and the ugly!

2010-03-09T18:01:00.003-07:00

GOOD...after being home for 6 weeks from his mission, Jeff proposed to the love of his life, Maddy on Valentines Day ...moonlight,beach...romantic little cuss. She said YES! They have been friends since Jeff was a sophomore and so she knows what she is getting into! LOL . She is a beautiful girl with a heart of gold and seems to have just what my son needs to enable him to push and strive to be his best. I think she is a Cutee patootee! So I will be a mother-in-law again in June.
BAD..I have been sick since Jeff got home! Started with a sore throat, laringytis, asthma issues, respiratory infections, blood sugar issues due to medications for asthma etc. etc. I am finally feeling today that maybe I may be getting better...hhmmm almost 2 months laters, many rx, many doctor visits and phone calls.. I still don't have my voice back completely, but by dang this had better be the beginning of the end.
UGLY...my hair until this last week. I think that people who do hair are magic. I can walk in feeling like a frumpy, kucka and walk out feeling like a million bucks.
Good and BAd.....we have received numberous letters addressed to the GUARDIAN of Craig Pence this last few weeks. Nothing bad, just the dreaded maturation program coming up. (Craig is mortified) Registration for Junior High, information about signing up for band (which Craig is also mortified by for some reason). My baby...Craig has always allowed me to pretend that I am younger than I am. I know I will be a gma in August and my older kids are all grown up....but having Craig still has allowed us to be allowed in primary , cub scouts, elementary school, etc. Good? no more pack mtg ...bad? I have no one in primary...but me! weird feeling.

The picture says it all...

2010-02-15T09:30:00.003-07:00

Maybe they should of had Craig not stand on the bench ?

Life goes on!

2010-01-22T13:43:00.002-07:00

I heard once that you should never have the attitude of "I'll be happy when...". I think it was when we were trying to get Rick through school. I would think everything will be easier or better when he graduates! A wise person told me to just be happy with what was happening now and enjoy the experience. I don't think I took that advice so well then, but as I get older and older (hehe) I realize what a gem of wisdom that really is. It doesn't get easier. Life is hard. It's suppose to be I think, but I like to think I'm more conscious of enjoying the now. I'm not saying I'm real good about it but I'm working on it. As I enter another decade of teenageritis with Craig, I am able to even laugh about things that I couldn't have with Jeff. So progress . That is good.

PICTURES!

2010-01-20T09:21:00.001-07:00

http://www.riakllc.com/ElderJeff/ElderJeffHomecomingShow/ElderJeffHomecoming/

Hurray for today!

2010-01-17T20:23:00.002-07:00

Today was Jeff's homecoming and what a wonderful day! Jeff gave an incredible talk, he did a really good job. We fed over 100 people at my parents house, but everyone pitched in and helped and made it easy. It was crowded and to think that we had thought about having it in our home. It was standing room only at Grandpas we would have been sardines in our house. Robyn took lots of pictures for me and we will post that link in a few days so you Dallas losing :(

Invitation

2010-01-09T15:09:00.002-07:00

You are invited to a homecoming for Elder Jeffrey Pence on Sunday January 17, 2009 at 2pm. LDS AF 8th ward building- the corner of 100 East 300 North AF. We will gather at 3:30pm at Jeff's grandparents (Craig and Linda Smith) to enjoy friends, food and family 1690 N 100 E PG
Let me know if you need directions!

This is IT!

2010-01-05T19:05:00.002-07:00

I am trying to kill time as it is 7pm and a little too early to leave for the airport to PICK UP JEFF! His flight left Dallas a few minutes late but no huge delays! Megan , bless her heart, made a killer sign for the front of the house with balloons and Rick has hung the Suriname flag in the front window with a light behind it. Chicken enchiladas are made, cake is made. Jeff's Christmas is under the tree where Santa left it. All is ready. I can't believe it has been almost 2 years. When we left him at the MTC it seemed like 2010 would never get here. Here I am at another phase in my life. I am going to be a grandma!! I have a return missionary and a 12 year old deacon. NO ONE in primary. That has not happened for 22 years! I am so blessed. I remember when he left I had all these plans and good intentions of losing weight, being more healthy, becoming an excercise nut etc. etc. etc. and you know what? None of it happened and I'm ok with that. Rick did all those things! Dang him, JK I am so proud of him. Once again I live in a home with 3 men, the lone chick. HHMMM how can I play that to my advantage?

Dillan's Song

2009-12-18T18:01:00.001-07:00

A young man in my ward wrote and performed this song! He never speaks..Rick has been on a campout with him and he said about 3 words, so we are very impressed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PURToRRq7gM

a Christmas Card to you all

2009-12-18T17:55:00.000-07:00

My dear sweet Aunty Suz sent me this how awesome
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PURToRRq7gM

18 DAYS!

2009-12-18T17:47:00.000-07:00

18 Days until Jeffer is again on American soil.

FYI Alert!

2009-12-18T17:35:00.001-07:00

The McRib is BACK!!! Once again as the season rolls around McDonalds has unthawed a few more cases from the vault. hehe Cody I am so grateful you did not bring me one on my birthday! The Litza Pizza I had was much better.

2009-12-08T21:35:00.003-07:00

Well I spent a few hours (at least) blog hopping. I'm not sure that is what it is called, but you click on someone elses friends and again and again and find yourself either way out in left field or you can find a particular blog that is so inspiring and humbling that you cant help but be a better person. You are so struck by the beauty and grace of the writer and inspired by their courage to share their feelings eloquently that you feel you know these people and would love to really meet them and be their friends. A close enough friend that you would be in tune with the Lord to be able to help. I found one of those blogs today. First of all it has been and nutzoid day. I was suppose to get up early so I could get Craig to shool and then directly go to work. Alarm never went off and so at 7:15 i woke with that shot of adrenal you get when you know you are no longer in control. I frantically put winder milk in fridge from porch, pulled out recycling tote to the road, got my hair dry and shot out the door with JImmy at my heels. He needed to be delivered to LIndon at 9am for his wonder dog experience Then to work to get cash registers up and rolling before the doors open at 9am.

This all happened last week I saved it rather than posting it, but have changed my mind....so here it goes. I have noticed that the majority of people are quite positive and happy in their blog posts. There are some that give you a glimpse into real life and then there are a few that let you look into their soul. I am grateful I found the blogs I found that day and I felt that I was guided to be where I was. So thanks to all of you whose blogs I peek into. They inspire me, humble me, and best of all make me smile.

I'm behind!

2009-11-16T19:50:00.002-07:00

I've been slacking on my daily gratitude so here we go:

1. I am grateful for primary! There is nothing in the world that can hammer home my Heavenly Father's love that he has for each one of us than looking into the eyes of a child as they learn the gospel, feel His spirit, or sing a primary song.

2. I am grateful to live in Utah and experience each of the 4 seasons. As each season begins, I think this is my favorite, but I do that 4 times a year!

3. I am thankful to be the mother of a missionary.

4. I am grateful for heated car seats. I would have never thought I would enjoy this feature in a car, but what a blessing.

5. I am grateful for a son in law that is willing to hang out with us. To see us at our worse and still love us anyway. He is Craigs buddy and thank heavens there is someone to play video games with Craig. Plus he takes care of my most prized possession my daughter and loves her as much as I do.

6. I have gratitude for an icey cold diet pepsi

7. I am grateful for my planner

8. I am grateful for my Blackberry

9. Kleenex is the greatest invention...can you imagine using a hankerchief yuck!

10. I am grateful that I am not the family member who has a kidney stone!

53 DAYS!

2009-11-12T11:32:00.002-07:00

ONLY 53 DAYS UNTIL JEFFER COMES HOME!

Gratitude 11-12-2009

2009-11-12T11:21:00.002-07:00

Today is my Grateful for Hunter .
1. I am so grateful for Hunter and that Heavenly Father has allowed me to be his aunt.
2. I am grateful and humbled by his parents. The daily struggles and physical demands that he is on their family are never vocalized nor complained about. They treat situations with humor and love.
3. I am so grateful he loves to tease me. And what is more endearing than a red headed little guy who plays hard to get. But I usually get a hug or kiss by the end of the night.
4. For his siblings who assist with his daily care and love. They are fiercely protective yet lovingly patient with him.
5. For the lessons he teaches me, the courage and faith he inspires me with and the desire to be a better person so that some day we can hang out.

Gratitude 11-11-2009

2009-11-11T15:11:00.002-07:00

1. Excedrin Migraine - needs no explanation
2. Anet and her ability to take my fingernails from flaking, thin annoyances to shiny works of art
3. Going to get your hair done and coming away with no gray and a sassy do
4.Hunter- Hunter is my nephew who is turning 6 tomorrow. He has angelmans syndrome and has the ability to make me smile no matter what. He is the ultimate tease and Aunt kris is always getting him in trouble because I can wind him up like no other. Getting a love and kiss from Hunter puts it all in perspective any day of the week.
5.My durango which just starts and goes every day and doesn't complain

My month of Gratitude

2009-11-10T13:34:00.003-07:00

Thanks Madi and Aubry for being good examples to me and I am going to follow in your footsteps and list my daily 5 .

1. I am grateful I am a mom. It is the hardest thing I have ever done, yet the source of the most
joy in my life.
2.I am grateful for Ricky Lane. To be married to my best friend is incredible. He is the hardest worker I know and even though I give him a hard time I am grateful he is MR. RECYCLE!
3. I am grateful for Smith Drug. The living it provides, the challenges, and the friendships.
4. I am grateful for Ryder and Emma-for without them I do not know if I could honestly make it through sacrament mtg each week.
5. I am grateful I was "born of goodly parents". My dad and mom are incredible and the fact that they raised 6 kids is amazing.

I love TV!

2009-11-04T13:17:00.003-07:00

This is my current TV love along with NCIS and Survivor. Go Siua!

Hulu - The Academy: Ears Back, Hair On Fire - Watch the full episode now.

2009-11-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

Hulu - The Academy: Ears Back, Hair On Fire - Watch the full episode now.

General Conference Rocks!

2009-10-04T13:52:00.000-06:00

I have to admit there are periods in my life when General Conference has made me feel inadequate and down on myself. I guess that is why I love primary so much. The principals are simply taught and are the basics of the gospel. Then I listen to Conference and realize there are so many things I need to work on. This Conference I have attempted to listen with a different spirit and I have enjoyed it so much more. We are so blessed to have it on TV! Having Jeff in Suriname express his concern that the satellite would act up (like it usually does) and that they might miss part of conference helped me to be grateful for the blessings of living in Utah. Elder Pence's will return on January 5th late that evening so that he can start school early January 6th. I am excited for his return but it has made me constantly aware of the blessings we are receiving as a family of a serving missionary. And who is the boy wanting to jump into his schooling? It is not the boy I paid cash to graduate from high school! I am so proud of him but don't tell I miss that little boy who was such a stinker.

Happy Birthday Hubby!

2009-10-02T17:16:00.000-06:00

The love of my life turned 50 years old this last week! I kept asking him if there was anything he wanted for his birthday and his biggest wish was that I would ignore the whole thing. The morning of this birthday I asked him if he had seen all the black balloons and the huge sign on the front lawn. He very slowly turned his head towards me and slowly said "no." I then told him they weren't there and that was my gift to him! Madi came to see him and so did Annie! Gary called him that night. Thanks guys! He got a cover for his beloved Mustang, but alas Kris ordered the wrong one. It is on its way back for exchange of the right one. In case anyone is interested his "stang" only has 1 mirror not 2. Also he bought himself a pair of running shoes. Mr. 5K ran in the hospital cancer race last Saturday and received 3rd place in his age group! He even got a bronze medal! What a stud!