Earlobes

This is a random story, but I was telling Celeste about this and she enjoyed it. So I thought it just might be post worthy.



In 8th grade Biology class we were learning about genetics. I enjoyed biology by the way. The lesson was on dominant vs. recessive genes. We were given an assignment to fill out a questionnaire about ourselves; thus diagnosing whether or not we have the dominant or recessive gene in various physical characteristics. "Is your hair curly or straight?" My answer: Neither. Nappy. "Can you curl your tongue, or can you flip it instead?" My answer: Curl it. "What color are your eyes?" My answer: Blue. And so on.



I was sitting at my desk filling out my questionnaire. Friend "A" was on my left side sitting at her desk. Friend "B" was sitting at my right at her desk. Both were doing their questionnaires as well. I get to the question: "Are your earlobes attached or dangling?" Hmmm, I think to myself. I don't know??? I ask my friends beside me. "Hey guys. Are my earlobes attached or dangling?" Friend "A" says "dangling." Friend "B" on my left says "attached." An argument ensues. Before too long we realize that Friend "A" is seeing this



and friend "B" is seeing this.

Yep, I am pretty much a freak of nature.
Turns out my Dad has the dominant gene for "free earlobes" also known as "G". Mom has the recessive gene for attached also known as "g". In order for me to have attached earlobes, I either need to have 2 copies of dominant gene aka "GG" or I can merely have one of each, "Gg". To have attached earlobes, I must have both recessive copies of the gene aka "gg". So how did I end up with one of each kind of earlobes?

It's totally true!

We are SOOOOO excited for Tim and Brenda. He announced this on his blog today and I could hardly believe it. I called him and it is confirmed! Tim is my brother and Brenda is his wife. They have been married for 13 years. A couple of years before they were married she was diagnosed with A.L.S. and told she only had a few years left to live. Tim and Brenda have said they knew they would marry long before Tim's mission. So when Tim got back from Japan, they were married in the LA temple soon thereafter. (Correct me Tim if I got any of this wrong.) They have been through more trials these past 13 years than anyone else I've known. And I admire them both very much. Brenda is a living miracle. To have this happen is also a miracle. And we wish them the very best. Congrats Tim and Brenda! We love you.

Things that make me feel happy

I decided to share a few random things that make me feel happy. To start off the word "random" itself is one of them. I decided about 11 years ago that I really liked that word and have used it ever since. I remember the day and time when I realized how much I liked that word. "Sassy" is another one. Remember when I decided I liked that one too Emily?

Ok. So one thing that I have a difficult time not smiling at the sight of is dogs in cars. Dogs are fine, but dogs in cars are divine. Don't know why. Just the other day when I was feeling a bit low I saw a dog in a car and out of spite said to myself I wasn't going to smile. But I couldn't help it. A smile crept up soon thereafter. My children love to point them out when they see them, just cause they know it makes me happy. I also love flowers. I love them even more when someone else gives them to me. They are great even when I buy them for myself. These ones shown here were given to me by Jennifer P. and my in-laws. Warms me heart and soul.

This one made me feel great! I walked into our daughters room to find this random :) photo nailed to their wall. I got a big ego immediately. One of our children found this photo somewhere and decided they wanted to hang it up. They love us - I know!

Weeping willow trees is another one. These are my favorite trees. I fell in love with them when I was a toddler and my Bailey Grandparents had one in their back yard. I used to imagine I was Tarzan swinging on the branches. And that makes me happy. They have a sad name though and even that's a good thing. I have thought at times how even nature looks sad in different ways at different times. These trees have wept along with me in days past too.

I just realized this week that elephants make me happy too. I saw them on TV the other day and realized I was inadvertently smiling...

Twix bars. Oh mommy!!! I love them.

My review of American Idol Season 7

I'm not a big TV person. The only show I watch faithfully is American Idol. But I do enjoy a few others if I happen to make the time. Biggest Loser and The Office are among them. I'm a bit relieved that all these shows are over and I can move on with my life and not waste time in front of the old tube as much. I am however, debating on whether or not to let myself get sucked into So You Think You Can Dance this year. We'll see. If I never start, it's easier to let it go. So on with my Season 7 AI review.
*It was my favorite Season yet. (I've seen Seasons 3-7.)
*The Davids were my favorite from early on. So it was great to see them make it to the end together.
*Some obnoxious moments for me was Tuesday night's boxing theme. They kept coming back to it and it was lamo!
*Another obnixious moment or I should say obnoxious moments for me was Amanda Overmeyer. Every time she opened her mouth I cringed. She sounded like she was dying of lung cancer. Did anyone else notice that her microphone was off during the group numbers except during her little solo parts? She just mixed so badly with the others.

And she reminded me of Elvira for some reason. Everyone remember Elvira? Here's a little reminder. When I found this image of her with Barney, I felt like I struck gold. Terrible photo shop job, but I wasn't about to waste the time on it. You get the idea. See the resemblance?

So all in all, the Davids were both awesome. Both really talented guys and both super nice to make it even better. I was guessing before Tuesday that David Cook was going to win. But after Tuesdays show, I wasn't so sure anymore. So I wasn't surprised when Cook won. But I have to say that as much as I loved Cook, I was disappointed.

I had to do some real thinking and inner searching. Turns out, that even though I DO like rock music, deep down, I prefer the nerdy ballads. It was hard for me to admit it to myself, but once I did, I decided I could do it to you as well. So I will definitely buy David Archuleta's album when it comes out. Cause we all know he's going to do well anyhow. It will probably be filled with sappy songs too. And David Cook I'm gonna still enjoy just like I still enjoy Chris Daughtry.
There's my review. What are your thoughts people?

Follow up and book review

Hey everyone. Thanks for your kind words and support. I LOVE my friends and family! I want you to all know that I really am doing fine. I can't lie to you, I was not doing well at first. But I can honestly say now that I am happy and at peace.
I have so much I feel like writing about. But I settled on giving you a book review for now. (I know you are all wishing I hadn't.)
The reason: This book I just read helped me during this difficult time.
I like to listen to books that I can download onto my mp3 player from the library. Free. Pretty cool the library does that. Audio books are not cheap. That way I can be productive while I am filling my mind with all kinds of information or entertainment. Rather than sit on my ever-enlarging bottom reading a book. This month I listened to "The Phantom of the Opera." I really enjoyed that. I also listened to "Anne of Green Gables." I enjoyed that too. The movie followed the book almost perfectly. So you probably don't need to rush out and read the book. But I keep finding myself thinking dramatic thoughts. Anne was so dramatic and she managed to rub off on me a bit. Fictitious as she was. And I guess I was dramatic before anyways. She'd always say things like "I am in the depths of despair!" For a while I always take on a different language when I read a book. But I digress... Sorry.
This past Sunday when I was laid up in bed, I read "The Hiding Place" by Corrie TenBoom. I read this book for the first time when I was pregnant with Becca. I thought it was amazing. Since then I have listened to it twice. My friend Robyn wanted to start a book club and asked me to choose the first book. Being a lazy bum, I decided to choose "The Hiding Place" because I remember liking it and I had also been through it three times. That way I didn't have to read a book this month if I didn't find the time. But when I was in bed on Sunday I had it by the bed and decided to pick it up. I ended up reading the whole thing that day. It wasn't hard to do. I had forgotten how religious this book is. It is not an LDS book but is very spiritual. I was reading it and thinking about Robyn who has an aversion to organized religion. I enjoy having spiritual conversations with her though. She's one fascinating girl and a great friend. Anyhow, I hope she isn't bugged by me choosing this book. We'll see at our group review.
"The Hiding Place" is a book about a Christian family in WW2 Holland who hid Jews and ended up in concentration camps. True story. It is an amazing and inspirational story. Corrie, the author and main character tells a story of when she was a child and had heard the word "sexsin" at school and didn't know what it meant. It bothered her. Soon thereafter she was on a short train ride with her father. As the ride was ending, she asked her father what it meant. He paused, then stood up and asked her to carry the case off the train. She stood and tugged at it but it was too heavy for her to carry. She told him she couldn't carry it because it was too heavy. Here's his reply, and I quote from the book "Yes. And it would be a pretty poor father who would ask his little girl to carry such a load. It's the same way, Corrie, with knowledge. Some knowledge is too heavy for children. When you are older and stronger you can bear it. For now you must trust me to carry it for you." She was satisfied with that answer. And so am I. She knew that for that time, she was content to leave all those hard questions and answers in her father's keeping. That story helped me. I kept asking God questions like "why" and so on. I wondered if only I hadn't participated in that race on Saturday, would I be going through what I was on Sunday? Then I read this from the book "There are no 'ifs' in God's world. And no places that are safer than other places. The center of His will is our only safety...let us pray that we may always know it."
Before I go on way too long, (which I guess I have already,) I'll leave this post as it is and encourage you all to check this book out if you get the chance.

Not to be

Well, Sunday I started spotting. I stayed in bed all day Sunday after talking to the nurse. This afternoon we knew it was over. We've lost the pregnancy. I was beyond devastated for a while. The past few days have been pretty rough. I've done a lot of praying and felt so alone as a result. But a miracle happened this afternoon and I got my answer finally. I wont even attempt to explain what happened to me, but I know God is there. I know He loves me, and I know that it will all be just fine. I'll write more later. Love you all intensly.

Conversation with Eden

Four posts in four days! You lucky people.
I typed this up after it happened the other day to save for later so I wouldn't forget.
The following is a conversation I had with Eden.
Amanda: "Guess what Eden?"
Eden: "What?"
Amanda: "I'm pregnant!"
Eden: "I knew it!"
Amanda: "How did you know it?"
Eden: "Because yesterday when you were on the couch, your tummy was sticking out really big." [Gestures with her arms like she's holding a beach ball in front of herself.]
Amanda: "Oh really. So you're saying I look fat?"
Eden: "Yeah."
Amanda: "Thanks Eden!"
[Chuckling to self.]

Urine on an "Are you crazy?!!" stick

Yeah, you can see it yourself! The best part of our mini-moon had to be finding this out. Since then I have taken more tests just to make sure. I thought I'd wait a bit this time to announce it, but you know me- can't do it! I am just way too elated. I pray with all my heart we'll be able to hold this baby healthy and alive in our profoundly grateful arms in January. Seems like forever away. It will seem even farther when I start vomiting my guts out. I have never been looking forward to being pregnant so much in my life along with all the unpleasant things that come along with it. I never want to complain again about puking or whatever else. My whole perspective has changed since our recent experience. You have no idea.
I didn't expect it to happen so soon. Not that I didn't want it more than anything. It's just that I had been training hard for that 10k race which is happening on Saturday and I thought it could throw me off. But it didn't. I decided I'll just do the 5k on Saturday instead and take it really easy. Probably just walk it.
I know that some people may think it was a bad decision to let this happen so soon, but I had found just as much information explaining how there is no need to wait as there was about waiting. One prominent doctor said that hormones right after a pregnancy loss were so ideal for pregnancy that he actually recommended his patients try one month after a loss to capitalize on that and healthy pregnancies often resulted. So there you go.
WE ARE THRILLED!

More from our vacation

Are you ready for lots of photos? I hope this doesn't bore you. It was hard for me to not put up more. Here's a bit of this and that. Last night we enjoyed a Family Home Evening with our kids in which we shared all of our photos and stories from this awesome trip.
Me on the Smith family farm. Beautiful place! They were such hard workers. I believe they said the family cleared 30 acres the first year and 60 acres the second year, with an average of 100 trees per acre.

Steve also on the Smith farm with the temple in the background.

Sacred Grove. It's bigger than you'd think. Lots of paths to walk through it. Very quiet and peaceful. There's a special feeling there. Hard to describe adequately. Impossible to capture the beauty of it in photos.

Steve and I in the Sacred Grove.This was the Smith's first log cabin there on the farm. Tiny.

I loved seeing these flowers around. Never seen them before.

This is the Peter Whitmer farm and cabin where the Church was organized April 6, 1830. This cabin is also tiny. They let us tour it and it didn't take long. This is where I heard my favorite story. But you'll have to ask me about it if you want to hear it. It would take too long to write here.

After that meeting where the Church was organized, the group traveled several miles to this lake and many were baptized. Seneca Lake.

We also went and saw the place where they first published the Book of Mormon. That tour was pretty interesting and we learned a lot. No photos though :(

We went to the Hill Cumorah and this is us at the top of the hill and at the base of the monument.

Moroni waving to all the world. You can see the moon near his hand.

Before we left on Sunday we went to Sacrament Meeting with the Palmyra Ward. I fell asleep on Steve's shoulder during the meeting. Oops. Before heading out of town, we had a quick look at the Martin Harris farm. He mortgaged this farm in order to finance the publishing of the Book of Mormon. Now there are a few sets of missionaries living in this house.

We also paid homage to Alvin Smith. Joseph's older brother. This is the front of the headstone. On the back, they kept the original stone. See below.

Original stone. Hard to read. But it says the same thing as the new one. There were gravestones that were close to 200 years old in this cemetery. I love cemeteries. They are so interesting! You find yourself imagining up all kinds of stories about the people buried there. What kind of life they lived, how they were loved, and how they were missed.

Our flight home got delayed and we ended up not getting home until 3am. Steve's parents kept the kids that night again. It made for a sad Mother's Day. I didn't get to see my munchkins till the morning. But I took them out to lunch and we got all caught up. It could have been worse. The weather in Chicago was bad and some flights were cancelled. We made it safely home!

And that's all folks. Keep visiting us!

Our trip

Here's your first installment of photos from our vacation. It was AWESOME! We had the best time and got to do a lot. We arrived in Buffalo late Thursday night and stayed in this interesting hotel. The guy at the front desk said we were his first people he had met there from Idaho so he gave us a free room upgrade. It was quite the room. It had two floors. Here's a crappy photo of the staircase. It had a bathroom downstairs and a living room. As seen here. Upstairs was a dining area, bedroom and another bathroom. Lots of character. Friday morning we drove the 20-30 minutes to Niagara Falls. We spent most of the day there. We bought a package that gave you passes to all kinds of places and tours. We did the Cave of Mists tour. Very cool. We also did the Maid of Mists boat ride. That took you right up in front of the horseshoe falls where I got soaked. Also very cool. Unfortunately no photo of that because we were worried about the camera getting wet. Here's part of the American side of the falls. A little less impressive, but still neat. Part of the horseshoe falls are in the background.

We also had lunch at Top of the Falls restaurant and had the best dessert ever. We saw the "Legends" movie and rode the Trolley around the park. Here I am at one of the observation decks.

We headed over to the aquarium where they had a sea lion show that we enjoyed. They did some great tricks. Steve got this shot of a really creepy fish.

That night we went to Palmyra. The photos below were taken on Saturday.

This is Steve in front of the Smith family farm home. Alvin Smith built this home for him and his fiance. But before he finished it and before they wed, he got sick and died at age 25. Very sad. His family then moved in. I believe they said 85% of the house was the original house.

We did a session at the Palymyra temple. It was a beautiful place and we had a nice time there. There is a window of the temple where you can see in or out at the Sacred Grove; off in the distance.

Here's a little preview of the Sacred Grove. We took a lot of photos there. Gorgeous place! It was such perfect weather on Friday and Saturday too. We were grateful for that.

More to come tomorrow!

Happy 10 year Anniversary to us!

Today Steve and I are celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary. We are so happy to be married to each other and have enjoyed these years together very much. We were sealed together in the Los Angeles temple May 8, 1998. It was the best day of our lives. My Grandpa Waite sealed us. The other day Steve and I were remembering something Grandpa told us that day. He said; and this is a paraphrase of course, "You both love each other so much today. And as much as that is, you might find it hard to believe that you will love each other so much more as time goes on." We both agree that has proven to be true. I remember when he said it at the time, I didn't believe it. I was thinking, "There is no way I could love Steve anymore than I do now!" But somehow my love for him has multiplied and continues to do so. He's a fantastic husband and father and the kids and I adore him. Each year we have tried to go on one "mini-moon" together to celebrate our marriage. They have lasted anywhere from 24 hours to 2 days. Really quick, fun, and wonderful trips together that I will always remember and treasure. We've gone places like Portland, SLC, McCall, Manhattan, and so on. We usually go to a temple as part of these trips. I really love going to temples. I think I've been to about 22 now? Below are a couple of photos from these mini-moons. Our first anniversary. Manti Temple.

Mini-moon to Zions National Park Summer 2000.



Today we leave for another great mini-moon! This time we are going to New York. This will be our longest one too. Thanks mom and dad Bishop for making this possible! We will be back Sunday night. We will go see Niagara Falls on Friday and spend Saturday and Sunday in Palmyra, NY seeing church history sites and the temple. I can't tell you how excited we are!

Love you Steve.

Anyone want a hermit crab?

Isn't it gorgeous? Come on people! We decided a few years ago that our children could get a pet when they learned to read. Celeste was the first to get her pet. A parakeet. Sunshine. Lovely bird. Guess who ended up always taking care of Sunshine? Amanda. The whole Sunshine story is an interesting one I'll have to share later. She's no longer with us though.
Then Jonah learned to read. He chose a gold fish despite our warnings that it would probably die within days. He insisted he wanted it anyway. We told him he couldn't get a new pet if his fish died. We all even took bets on how long the fish would live. Guess who won the bet? Amanda. 6 days.
Then Eden learned to read. She chose a hermit crab. She cared so little for this hermit crab that she gave it away to Celeste within a day. And Celeste seems to care even less for it. Guess who has taken care of this hermit crab for months? Amanda. Guess who's tired of it! Amanda.
So does anyone want it? Free of charge. Supplies and all. Please...anyone!?