Seeking Advice

ATTENTION ALL MOMMIES: I am in need of some well-educated suggestions. Even though the little persona (as Chris affectionately calls our unborn child) isn't due for another six months, I am already feeling the need to start my preparations. Most of you know that I am somewhat of a control freak, so planning ahead isn't all that abnormal for me.

I've decided that we need to begin stocking up on essential items each time we go to the store, so as to prevent bankruptcy when the baby actually comes into the world. While some items seem pretty easy to pick, others actually baffle me. Take diapers, for example. Are they all the same? Are name brands better than store brands? Are there in-store or online coupons available? See my dilemma.

Please feel free to share your suggestions and opinions. I am willing to take any advice I can get. And stay tuned for more shameless pleas for help. I'm considering having an "Item of the Week" for which I can solicit your advice. Because honestly, I don't have a clue what I'm doing :)

Maybe He'll Listen Next Time

We have a lot of food storage boxes in our garage, and a few weeks ago, Chris decided to reorganize them. Instead of having 6 short stacks, he thought it would be better to have 3 tall stacks. After he finished, I expressed my concern that the stacks didn't look stable enough. He assured me it would be okay.

The pics are evidence of what I found when I went to the garage about a week later. Chris happened to be in Moab for the weekend, so I'm sure you can imagine how our phone conversation went when I talked to him the next day :)

My poor car was out of commission for 4 weeks, and guess who had the privilege of being my personal chauffeur?!







Insurance Deductible: $500

Total Repair Costs: $5,200

Being able to tell my husband "I told you so": PRICELESS

It's Official

We are so excited to announce that Baby Helmantoler is due December 28th! We are looking forward to sharing this incredible experience with our friends and family.

Stay tuned for future updates as Chris and I try to figure out what we've gotten ourselves into!

In Loving Memory

My cousin, Jason, passed away on Sunday from an accidental drug overdose. Jason was always fun to be around and could make everyone laugh. He had a beautiful smile that was completely infectious. We are going to miss his outgoing attitude and his goofy antics!

Even though his life was met with many trials, he was a good person with a good heart. I know that Heavenly Father loves him and that the power of the atonement is real. I find comfort in knowing that he is in a better place and is free from his suffering.

Jason Mark Strong
1980 - 2009

On Sunday, April 19th, 2009, we unexpectedly lost our awesome brother and wonderful son, Jason Mark Strong. Jason will be remembered as a fun loving charismatic young man that could light up any room. He was born in South Korea on March 20, 1980. At the age of five, we were blessed to have him join our family through adoption. He graduated from Pleasant Grove High School in 1998. His passion was sports and he loved to play golf. His favorite job was helping build and maintain Sleepy Ridge Golf Course in Orem. He was currently employed at Sun Mountain Doors. Jason was a great uncle and loved his nieces and nephews. Jason is loved and will be greatly missed.

Feeding the Addiction

As if my addiction to all things sweet wasn't bad enough, I decided to get a job at a bakery. Before you jump to conclusions, let me clearly state that I did not quit my job with LDS Philanthropies; rather, I found a fun hobby that I'll get paid to do.

My darling cousin, Ange, opened her own bakery a few months ago and has been running the business from her home. As of next Tuesday, she will be selling her delicious concoctions at the University Mall (just outside Nordstrom). And yours truly will be selling said concoctions.

Introducing: THE CHOCOLATE

Feel free to take a peek at the yummy treats. And if you feel so inclined, please stop by the kiosk and I'll be happy to help you find something to satisfy your sweet craving.

Faith Renewed

Elder Richard G. Scott presided at our Stake Conference last weekend and shared wonderful insight and inspiration. He was very personable and very candid. He was also very sweet and soft-spoken.

At the end of each of his talks (Saturday night and Sunday monring), he shared the same testimony. I don't think it was a coincidence that he ended his remarks both days with the same words. He reverently bore witness of the truthfulness of the Gospel and he expressed the great respect he has for the mantle which he holds. He admitted that he feels just like an ordinary man, but recognizes that a wonderful power has been bestowed upon him by our Heavenly Father--a power that enables him to stand as a witness of God.

He then said, "I know that Jesus Christ lives...I know that because I know Him." What greater witness can you have than to hear an apostle of the Lord bear testimony of the divinity of our Savior, Jesus Christ?! We were truly blessed by his words and his example.

I want one!

Chris called me the other day while I was at work and told me to check out a website. While watching the video on the homepage, I gasped and exclaimed, "I want one!"

After you watch this video, you'll want one, too. Can you even imagine having that much organized storage space for craft items?! It's a dream come true.

Mark my words...I WILL have one someday!

"Wishin, and hopin..."

This cabana is calling my name. I only wish I could go somewhere warm and exotic right now.

Instead, I'm stuck here. I'm sick of the cold weather, the spring snow storms, and dead grass.

This girl is in desperate need of a vacation.

Season 8

She drives me crazy!

I heart Danny!

One year down...eternity to go.

Chris and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary yesterday! We spent the weekend together in Midway and Park City. We shopped at the local antique stores, found great bargains at the outlets, ate delicious food, and watched several movies. And of course, we forgot the camera, so I don't have any new pics to share. Instead, I'll just share a few wedding pics from last year.






We were even able to enjoy our wedding cake that had been well preserved in my mom's freezer! Chris was a little leery about eating year-old food, but it was actually really good :)


As you can see from the pictures, we were blessed with an incredible winter day last year. This year, however, February 8th was cold, wet, and extremely gloomy. I am SO glad that we had beautiful weather on our wedding day. I would've cried had it been like yesterday!