Way past update time...I know...

Dan's due home momentarily but I thought, maybe, just maybe if I start a post, I'll get it finished sooner rather than later and then it'll give me the bug to keep posting...we'll see how that works out.

I do have to admit, blogging has been on my mind. I even mentioned it to Dan recently. I just don't seem to find the time to get it done. 95% of my job is on the computer and when I get home, I'd rather visit with my husband, read a book (about half way through Breaking Dawn for the first time!), spend time with family, etc. Despite all that, I have some time off and am determined to get some things updated here. Let's hope this isn't like so many other New Year's Resolutions...only lasting a few hours.

Since picutres get me going...pictures I'll post and now...back in time I go...I'll make stops here & there so it's not just one huge post...

The last weekend in May I took my first trip, and what would become my first of many trips, to Yellowstone. Here are a few highlight pictures from that trip:

The gas station,/grocery store in Ashton, Idaho. I would call Dan when I was here and he'd know only 55 miles left for me to go.

A bull elk just grazing on the side of the road.

One of many buffalo we saw just strolling along the roadside.

One must be very careful here, there are killer chipmunks lurking everywhere!

It's not everyday you see a momma grizzly and her cub. A first for me and a first for Dan as well.

Sunset behind one of the many gysers in Yellowstone Park.

I'll stop here or else I might not ever get this posted. More later...

I have, have you?

If you want to play along, just copy the list and highlight all the things you've done.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (well, orchestra)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child (Not legally but I have several I call mine)
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain (I don't remember for sure but I would guess probably, yes)
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason (Sadly, I was the one giving them to myself)
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt (I helped place the pieces but that's it)
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77.Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee (Well, the bee family)

Jennie, thanks for the cute idea. Funny, there are several things on the list I would love to do...I'll have to get them all added to my "bucket list."

Yes, it's true...

...two posts from me today. I was just introduced to this website: http://www.simplifysupper.com. You select the recipes or menu calendar and it will create your shopping list! Best of all, it's a free site. I have a feeling I'll be checking this often for dinner ideas!

Getting help from my friends

Still relying on others for updates...another blog with pictures from my reception & wedding:

http://alltuckedin.blogspot.com/
(it's down a couple posts)

Thank heaven for family!

Check these out!

http://shayolsenphotography.blogspot.com/

http://if-you-cant-beat-em.blogspot.com/

A couple quick updates...sorry that's all the time I have right now. Updates will be coming but there's just so many boxes, I swear they multiply at night!

The Final Item.....DONE!

Well, our wedding date is officially set! October 17th will be the big day!!!! Just like we'd hoped.

Tuesday Funnies

Thought I would share a couple of humorous items from the Feb ’08 Reader’s Digest:

“Jeff’s blind date with Suzanne was bad from the start—in short, they loathed each other. Fortunately, Jeff had asked his friend to call him so he’d have an excuse to leave if the date wasn’t going well.
“When his friend called, Jeff pretended to be in shock. ‘I have to leave,’ Jeff said to Suzanne. ‘My aunt just died.’
“’Thank [goodness],’ Suzanne replied. ‘if yours hadn’t, mine would’ve had to.’” (From Laugh Off by Bob Fenser)

“After ringing my aunt’s doorbell, I was surprised when she greeted me wearing a hat.
“’Are you just going out?’ I asked.
“’No dear,’ she replied. ‘I always put my hat on when someone comes to the door. Then, if it’s someone I don’t want to see, I can say I’m just popping out.’” (Lucy Grace)

These made me smile. I hope you get a kick out of them too.

PS-busy with the final move and wedding prep so this is probably it for awhile longer...

Feathers & Cherries

Now that's a head piece!

Is is a keeper though...that's the key question...

It never ceases to amaze me the things I'll try on when my sisters are with me...wait, did I try this on with Mom too??? Guess I can't blame the sisters...

I'm not dead yet!

Yes, JaNae is still alive & kicking!! Life's just crazy busy right now and something has to give...currently, that's my blog. Here's an idea of what I've been up to lately:

WEDDING TO DO LIST:

(Please note, this is a VERY basic list)

Groom (hee, hee)

Bride (hee, hee)

Bride's Rings

Choose Date

Select Temple

Dress Accessories

Florist

Photographer

Select Invitations

Guest List

Order Groom's Ring

New Apartment

Pack Current Residence

New Job

The check marked items are completed (I know, duh!) and those not checked are in the process. I know there's lots left off the list but that doesn't mean I haven't thought about them or accomplished them. Trust me, I'm doing my best to stay on top of everything that needs to be done. Last time I checked, my "Official To Do List" is over a page with a portion completed and an even larger portion waiting to be done.

In addition to wedding preparations, I've spent the summer working, teaching my Primary class at church, visits to Pocatello and West Yellowstone to see Dan, spending time with family, attending 2 family reunions, and anything else that seems to come up and need my attention...hence, the blog has been put on the back-burner for awhile. It is crazy busy but as I've described it often most recently, "It's crazy good."

Don't worry, I'll be back when things settle down a little bit more. But it might be another couple months before I get the chance to do a detailed update which I promise will include pictures!!! Your patience will not go unrewarded.

Quick Show & Tell

The coolest jewelery box!

Ooo, looky what's inside!

Love how it looks on my hand.

I'd better not quit my day job to be a hand model! :)

Thanks, Honey, I love my rings!!!!

FAQ's...

1. Yes, I'm engaged.
2. Reception-October 16 in Salt Lake
3. Wedding-October 17
4. Manti Temple
5. Living & job locations are both up in the air

Pictures and more details will probably not be posted until life settles a little so you'll just have to sit tight until then.

Thanks,
The Management :)

Memories....

I saw this on my cute friends', Jennie & MaryRuth, blogs and thought it would be fun to play...

1. As a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you and I have together. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember! (You can play this even if we're just blog friends... something that you remember from our blog time together! haha!)

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see what memories people have of you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses.

It will be fun to bring the memories back so post away! :)

Thanksgiving Point

A few weeks ago after work (ok, May 14th to be exact) I met Deborah and her son Tate at Thanksgiving Point for lunch. We decided to walk through the farm area and here are a few highlights from our outing.

Riding on a pretend cow.

Checking out the real thing.

Oooo, a bunny!

Kneeling to the donkey. We heard this braying later on, it was really loud!

Look at the horsey!

Mom's a bit unsure of things.

Wow, these are just my size!!!

It was a fun visit and a treat to watch Tate discover the animals. We even went on a horse-drawn buggy ride!

One of the funniest things that happened was as we were walking to and from the farm. Deb and I were each holding one of Tate's hands and I gave him a little kick in the seat of the pants Every time he'd turn around to try and figure out what was going on. Deb and I couldn't help but laugh at his reaction and confusion.

Deb & Tate, thanks for a fun day on the farm!

How'd that happen?!

Ok, I can't believe it's July already....Where did May and June go?! Since I've been such the neglectful blogger I'll do a quick update with the promise of more info soon.

I'm still working for the software company in South Jordan. The team's great and the work's enjoyable but still only 20 hours which is tough. However, I'm doing my best to enjoy the extra time I have to play during the summer.

Decisions for the fall are still up in the air somewhat. I know it seems like this has been my response for awhile but it's truly the case. What I do know is that I'm not going to grad school in the fall as I previously thought. I'm thinking I'll get a 2nd bachelors degree in the speech disorders field for now and then decide what's next when that's finished. However, school's going to be on the back burner probably until January. I hope I don't forget everything I've learned....

Lots of moves this year for our family…. It started with Deborah & her family moving from Illinois to Orem, Utah in March. Lynette & her family moved into a new home (from Sandy to Sandy) a couple weeks ago. Ann & her family also just moved from Boston to Virginia a week ago. Kevin's open to the idea of a move as well but nothing's firm yet. Guess maybe I'll have to figure out where I could move just so I’m not left out of the Broadbent Family moving adventures. Mom & Dad, you should join in the fun too!

Good news, I have a new nephew. Bennet Michael Crossette (Deborah’s) was born on June 12th. He's a cutie and his parents and big brother are loving him. Grandma (or Noni as Tate calls her) has been visiting for the last few weeks and it's been fun to spend time with her too. We've enjoyed welcoming him into our family. I haven't seen him for a week or so and I'm sure he's changed lots already.

This weekend I'm off to Yellowstone. I went up there the end of May for the first time ever. I loved the trip enough that I decided to go again this weekend. Since I still haven't downloaded the pictures from that trip the update will have to wait. I'll get it on my schedule and hopefully give updates on both trips next week.

Well, there's your nutshell update. I'm still alive and well and promise to improve my blogging frequency...Have a fun & safe July 4th weekend!

A Happy Heart!

Last night I was working on the computer & the tv was on when my doorbell buzzed. I wasn't expecting anyone so I figured it was one of my building neighbors. I looked out the peephole and still wasn't really sure who was there. When I opened the door I discovered Aly, Mary, and McKenna were standing there. McKenna is in my class at church this year and I taught Aly & Mary last year. They were walking home from their 6th grade promotion ceremony and decided to stop by and visit me. It just made my heart happy that they would do that.

They said they were calling to me as they approached the building (my windows were open) but I didn't hear them. So as they left, they made sure to shout up to my window to say good-bye. Of course, I lifted the blinds and said good-bye back to them.

Since I live across the street from the ever popular SnoShack, I might get more visits occasionally throughout the summer and that would be fine with me!

No Announcements Here!

So this week I was asked if I was pregnant. Yeah, not really a highlight in any way, shape or form. When I questioned the person as to why they would think I was pregnant (after responding with a confident "No") they said because of the shirt I was wearing. I had on a loose fitting, squared cut, tunic type shirt. It's different from others I wear but I like it...well liked is probably more appropriate. Now to decide if I should toss or keep the shirt...and what to do with the 7 year-old boy who asked me. (The same 7-year old little boy who told me I just have to kiss someone and they will be my husband....Life's so easy when you're 7!) Guess I'll just keep laughing about the whole thing as I did during the conversation....about all you can do with 7-year old little boys sometimes....

I've got spirit...How about you???!!!!

I know I'm really behind in posting this but too bad, it's my blog and I'll post when I want to, post when I want to...

A little comparison game for you...who had more Christmas Spirit last year?

Contestant #1 (aka Mom's house):

(The bags are what Santa left our stocking stuff in.)

Contestant #2 (aka My house):

Now I'm not complaining, I just find it a funny comparison. Especially since in years past, we'd have Christmas throughout the whole main floor. (That's probably why I have Christmas all over my apartment.)

To Mom's defense, they'd been remodeling the whole main floor and had just started putting things back where they belong. She couldn't get to her decorations because all the furniture was in the garage blocking things. Still a funny memory just the same.

We did have our traditional Christmas breakfast including her cinnamon pull-apart.

Don't they look delicious?! They tasted as good or better than I remember....Maybe I'll have to make some this weekend even though it's not Christmas...

Caught ya!

Here's a picture of one of the decorating bandits...Beth Anne's youngest, Nate...Obviously he's not too worried about being caught red handed. :)

Happy B-day to Me!

My birthday was a few weeks ago. As is typical I wasn’t really looking forward to the big day. (I never like the number and the big 4-0 is coming up way to quickly for my comfort.) Weeks before the day’s schedule was school, work, school, maybe out to celebrate, not super exciting but one bonus is that my Mom was here, course she was leaving that day for St. George…

Anyway, a few days before my birthday, my mom’s Aunt Afton passed away and as it turned out, her funeral was on my birthday. Now the schedule became school, funeral & family luncheon, school. Not exactly the most thrilling way to celebrate a birthday but at least I was with family, lots of family. And I love my Mom's family to pieces!

Our family luncheon was fabulous. Aunt Afton had arranged for us to meet at her favorite place to eat, the Hidden Valley Country Club. Knowing her, not only did she have the meal paid for but I bet she even selected the menu. At the luncheon, everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to me, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings…way more family than would normally be singing to me under normal circumstances.

When my afternoon class ended I headed home. I was still not really thrilled by the day partly since I felt a bit like I’d reminded people it was my birthday (not exactly what I like to be doing on the day of) and since we’d all been together and parents away from children, I headed home to my place alone and with no plans for dinner. I don’t expect tons of celebration but at least a little bit, enough to know that I was thought of...

As I climbed the stairs to my apartment, I was feeling a little sorry for myself and not thrilled about getting my dinner then having to study. When I rounded the corner to my apartment door I found this…







Beth Anne had driving to SLC from Herriman (about 25 mins drive) to decorate my door. It really cheered my spirits to know that I wasn’t forgotten after all. Memories of college rooms being decorated came to mind. Even though the day and evening wasn’t anything like I would have planned, it turned out ok. To help the celebration feeling linger, I kept some of the decorations up for a few weeks. They’ve all been tucked away but the memory lives on! Thanks BA!

Letting it all hang out

Ever have a favorite outfit? One that you anticipate wearing each season? And you wear frequently it throughout the season? Another bonus to the outfit is that it's a few years old but still looks great and stylish...Best of all, it suits your figure perfectly.

Well I have one. My silk, green, plaid, cropped pants outfit. I bought the outfit on a whim and have never regretted the purchase. Every time I wear the pants I receive at least one compliment. Since they are spring pants and the best shoes with them are sandals, I can't wear the pants until the weather's fairly warm. Today we're to be in the upper 70's so I figured I wouldn't freeze in the office and it was a great outfit to wear to work. I got up and ironed the shirt that goes with it and then got dressed and headed out the door knowing that I looked great.

As is common when this outfit is worn, I received a compliment from a co-worker on my cute pants. I even mentioned that I needed to find another shirt to go with it since the one I originally bought was getting a bit worn and faded.

I kept going about my day taking care of the various tasks which are my responsibility. As I squatted down to contemplate moving some storage stuff around I hear the sound of fabric ripping. Somehow I knew that it was my beloved pants. I felt where I figured the rip occurred and sure enough, there it was, right in the seat where the untucked shirt doesn't cover. So I’m just kinda hangin’ out at the office for a bit longer until I can go home and change before the next thing. Thankfully I’m one who often gets chilled so I have a little jacket at my desk I’ve tied around my waist to try to stay modest but it doesn’t match at all and I don’t look nearly as cute as I did leaving my house this morning.

Though I haven’t looked yet at the rip I fear that it’s beyond repair. You may suggest a patch and that could work, however, I seem to recall noticing that the seat of the pants was getting worn. I knew eventually that this might happen but hopped that I’d have several more seasons with these darling pants. Now I must plan their funeral and lay them to rest. I’m so sad that their life has been cut so short. I suppose I could use parts of the pants for something else but I don’t know exactly what yet.

So far I’ve done a fairly good job of not letting it get me down but I fear I’m still in shock over it all and the emotions will surface later this evening. Maybe I’ll have to just spend the evening consoling myself and drowning my sorrows with a big bowl of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. *sniff sniff*

4 things

I received this via email and thought it might be fun to post here too....

Four things about me that you may or may not have known in any particular order.

Four jobs I have had in my life:

1 M&M Mars-Assembly Line Dipping Dove Ice Cream Bars
2 Receptionist-GE Plastics
3 Legal Secretary
4 Student
(Way more than 4 could be put here)

Four movies I have watched more than once (or 100 times) :

1 The Lake House
2 A&E's Pride & Prejudice
3 Anne of Green Gables series
4 Gigi

Four Places I have lived:

1 Elmhurst, IL
2 Lisle, IL
3 San Diego, CA
4 Los Angeles, CA

Four T.V. Shows that I watch:

1 Dancing With the Stars
2 Extreme Makover Home Edition
3 Oprah's Big Give
(All of the above are on video and after the fact)
4 PBS's Complete Jane Austen

Four places I have been:

1 Boston
2 Anaheim
3 Russia
4 Armenia

Four People who e-mail me (regularly):
1 Chrissy
2 Mom
3 Choir People
4
(Though regularly is used somewhat loosely)

Favorite Foods

1 Cafe Rio-pork salad & burrito-YUMMY
2 Strawberry Pie
3 Strawberries with sour cream & brown sugar
4 Ice Cream

Four Places I would like to visit:

1 New York
2 Hawaii
3 Europe
4 Japan

Four friends I think will respond:

1 BA
2 Alicia
3 Jennie
4 MaryRuth

Four things I am looking forward to in the coming Year:
1 Trip to Japan
2 Paying down debts
3 No more homework
4 Spending time with family


Not going to "tag" anyone, however, you are welcome to post this to your blog if you'd like.

Thank you Jane Austen

Take the Quiz here!

UGH!!!

It's finals time and I HATE it! Two finals this week & 3 next then I'm finished with the semester. (Still no grad school updates as yet.) The time off can't get her fast enough. Maybe then I can do a bit more with this poor, neglected blog. Thanks to all of you who keep yours regularly updated, it's fun to catch up with all of you. Gotta run for now but wanted to put a little post that I'm still alive & kickin' just busier than should be legally allowed!

Quick update

I need to head off to class but here's an update or two:

1. No details or info on the store robbery. I don't know if suspects have been found or what. It's not been reported in the news but no one was hurt or in the store at the time which could be why.

2. Still nothing exciting to report on the grad school apps.

3. So glad Spring seems to be here to stay.

4. Can't wait for the semester to come to an end.

Well, off to class I go....

What I did on my Spring Break

Picked up some extra hours at work, played a bit with friends and family, responded to some long overdue emails, attended Enrichment Night homework-guilt free, went outside for walks, called 911 to report a robbery....

My landlord knocked on my door this morning and mentioned that the store downstairs was robbed early this morning. He asked if I’d heard anything and I said that I didn’t. Not really that big of a deal, right…wrong!

Tonight I was in my living room studying and heard some loud banging or thumping below me and then an alarm went off. I gave it a minute or two then went down to see if I could find the car whose alarm was going off. As I looked into the store’s front windows I saw that the door was open a little and didn’t see any cars with their lights flashing so I went back upstairs to my apartment and called 911. I gave them what info I had and they called it in as a robbery in progress.

After about 30 minutes, I looked out my window and saw a police car in the parking lot. Feeling safer now, I headed back downstairs to see if she’d been robbed again. Sure enough, she had! The owner is bothered and upset, understandable so, but luckily no one was hurt. She did lose about $400 cash and about $6000 in merchandise in both robberies. Not sure if the police have any leads or not, didn’t really think to ask.

Now every little sound downstairs makes me wonder if I need to call 911 again. She doesn’t have a lock on her door anymore, they broke it again, and is hoping to get someone to stay the night to guard the place. It’s just so unnerving, the second robbery happened right around 9:00 pm. It’s a Friday night, if I didn’t have two tests next week, I might have been leaving my apartment to head out for the evening or run an errand right as things were happening. I’m not against excitement but this is going a bit too far.

Whoever is behind this is pretty gutsy. ALL the lights were on the store and she has big picture windows facing a busy street. Anyone driving by would have surely seen something. Not to mention hitting the same store twice in less than 24 hours. Thankfully, the cars are all untouched. I sure hope they get this figured out and it comes to an end. It makes me nervous to leave during the evening without some type of escort and I don’t like not feeling safe in my own home and neighborhood.

Spring in Utah

Well, it must be spring in Utah, (one of the 3 days we get every year anyway). It was a gorgeous day in the 60's yesterday and today....snow is in the forecast....It's so true that if you don't like the weather here, just be wait 5-10 minutes and it will change. So it goes I guess....

Please respond

I had someone try to post comments on my blog from Brazil. I deleted the comment but they mentioned they were adding me to their blog list. That alarms me. So in an effort to try to keep my loved ones safe, I will be making my blog private.

Those I have email addresses for may have already received an email inviting you to read my blog. If you have not received an invite from me please add a comment to this with your email address so that I can add you to my list of approved readers. (Since I have it set up to moderate my comments anyway, your comment will go to my personal email account and your email will not appear on my blog at all.)

Since there are a few friends who read my blog and I don't have their email address, I'm going to wait until April 1 to change it over to private to give them time to contact me. After that, I'll be making the switch as others have done.

Yes, I might be panicking a bit but some of you know I've had a profile off and on on a couple of the LDS dating websites and it's unnerving to me when I'm at a singles activity and some guy keeps staring at me with the look like he's seen me before....sometimes they do introduce themselves which eases things but it's still a bit odd and uncomfortable when it happens.

I believe once I make the switch to approved readers only you'll have to log in to read my updates (as frequent as they are...hee hee). Sorry to make it a bit more challenging but it's best to do all we can to keep ourselves and others as safe as possible.

Thanks for your support and understanding.

PS-some of you might receive an email at different addresses, I sent the invite to every address I had for you, I wasn't sure which was the most frequently used/best one so I covered my bases to be sure you got the message.

Spring Has Finally Sprung! (Hopefully)

I was heading out to meet some former co-workers for lunch today. As I left the building I noticed a magpie flying through the parking lot carrying a stick in its mouth. That's got to mean that spring is here to stay (no more crazy snow storms or cold temps) if the bird is gathering sticks for a nest....It's about time if you ask me!

Update On A Frequent Question...

...No, I haven't heard from any schools yet about graduate school next year. 5 of 6 applications are submitted and the last one should be done by the end of the week. Thanks for asking.

A First Kiss!

Tonight I ran out to get come dinner (yes, I succumbed and did fast food). I came in and picked up a glass of water that was by the couch. Without looking I just put the glass to my lips to take a drink. As I did so, something tickled/bothered my lip. I pulled the glass away and brushed off what I figured was a hair on my top lip. Then I put the glass back to my lip and felt it again. So, I pulled the glass away and to remove the hair and found the problem...there was a box elder bug crawling along the rim of the glass! ICK!!!!! It was all I could to not drop the glass as I raced into the kitchen to drown the bug in the sink. It’s been awhile and yet I still cringe at the thought of this first kiss. YIKES!!!!!!! That's one first kiss I hope to never ever remember!!!! Time to call the exterminator!

Vest Buttons Popping

Yesterday I would have made my Grandpa B proud of me....I don't have lots of memories of my dad's dad (aka Grandpa B). He was still working as a doctor when I was young and then when he retired, I was about 11, he had 2 strokes so he wasn't as active as he might have been. Plus he and Grandma lived in Cedar City and Salt Lake City, Utah and later Palm Springs, California when I was growing up so visits from Chicago were somewhat infrequent.

Anyway...my most vivid memory of Grandpa B was from when I was probably between 3 and 5. We were walking down the street I think in California (we were living there at the time) and I remember that I was walking ahead of Mom, Dad, Grandpa B and Grandma B. There were some puddles along the sidewalk. Being a typical child I would come to a puddle and stomp through it, stomp, stomp, stomp....After doing this a couple times, Grandpa came up and took my hand then showed and taught me how to carefully walk through a puddle without splashing water all over myself and those around me; "Heal toe, heal toe." “Gently.” “No, don’t splash.” “Careful.” “There you go.” “That’s right, good job.” It took me a few tries to figure out how to do it correctly while Grandpa patiently held my hand and reminded me, "Heal toe, Heal toe..." While holding his hand and doing it without splashing a couple times, he let me walk through a puddle alone again. On my own again…wanting to impress...showing what’d I’d learned…so proudly…STOMP, STOMP, STOMP….of course the adults all giggled at me. Back then puddles equaled splashing, that’s why they were on the sidewalks, wasn’t it? To this day, I think of that lesson whenever I walk through puddles and it always makes me smile.

Yesterday between work and school I stopped to fill my car. I pulled up to the pump, turned off the car, opened the door and discovered I was in a HUGE puddle. This wasn’t your average sized puddle…it was big enough to surround most of my car and I was worried that my car might sink into the depths of this puddle. Rather than restart the car and move to another pump (call me lazy or a conservationist either’s fine with me) I just carefully got out and walked through the puddle. However, thanks to Grandpa’s expert teaching the cuffs of my extra long jeans didn’t even get damp! A life lesson I’m grateful to have learned and eventually mastered…Grandpa, thanks for the memory and thanks for teaching me!

Thought to sleep on...

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." ~ Melody Beattie

This quote was shared in church on Sunday, February 3, 2008 as part of a lesson in Relief Society on gratitude. Since that lesson, I've been following the recommendation of the presidency to be more grateful and I've noticed a HUGE difference! There is real power in being grateful, I felt it almost instantly. I'll be posting this quote where I can see it frequently. Eventually I think it needs to be committed to memory but that's for when school's not in session.

What's in a name?

I saw this on my cousin Janette's blog and thought I'd see what they said about my name, as unique as it is....Here are the results regardless of whether or not I agree (please don't hold this against me):

What JaNae Means

You are fair, honest, and logical. You are a natural leader, and people respect you. You never give up, and you will succeed... even if it takes you a hundred tries. You are rational enough to see every part of a problem. You are great at giving other people advice. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Quick update

4 grad school apps completed 2 to go!!!!! Now the "wait and see what's next" time has truly begun.

Way too long with favorite people!

It's been 2½ years (and 3 grandchildren) since all 5 of the Broadbent siblings have been together. We've had a few gatherings for reasons happy & sad over the years but there was always one family missing.

On Saturday, December 23rd were not only in the same state but the same place at the same time. We gathered at Kevin & Kelley's home for brunch, gifts and a Wii tournament. Not everything went as planned, the Wii tournament never really happened, however, Kevin & Kelley have ton's of great toys and we had a blast playing with them. After eating and a few group pictures we decided to expose our inner rocker and played Rock Band. You might not be able to tell but there are 2 guitars, vocals and drums (for the Rock Band illiterate). I don't know who laughed harder, the performers or the observers.Just setting it up was a challenge for Kevin. The girls formed a girl band first and just the setup of that was an experience. Poor Kevin was so patient with his ditsy sisters as they all kept pressing buttons and messing up what he'd started. Of course selecting our respective band members was a huge challenge, we are girls afterall...Kevin thanks for being such a good sport with all us!

A bit of competition took place too. The first drummer wasn't doing as well as her husband thought she should so when the next band formed, he took over the drums. After the song ended he admitted that the drums weren't so easy to play after all.

Kevin showed off his Rock Band expertise by playing the advanced guitar then switched to the advanced drums. We all commented on his selection of the hardest drums level forgetting that's he's a percussionist. Course, when it ended, he too commented on the difficulty...little rusty, Bro?

When it came time to open gifts we rigged things so that Grandma (aka, Nama) and Papa could join in the fun via webcam. As everything was getting set up Kevin decided to play with the webcam first. It was unanimous that he needed a facial, maybe that should have been part of his Christmas gift....

The Wii was played by some as a few of the littler ones slept, some even in the same room as the doubles tennis game was going on. But we couldn't let the music in us die. We also played a bongo game...4 sets of bongos...the screen telling you which bongo (right, left, both) or when to clap in rhythm with the song selected. As was the case with the other video games, there were many giggles and lots of laughter at ourselves and each other. So much for thinking we were all coordinated and know how to keep a beat.

We had a great time. It reminded me of when I was little and visiting my grandparents in Cedar City, it felt like there were people and grandchildren in every corner of the house. We may be somewhat small in number still (6 grandchildren and 4 in-laws to date) but it was a houseful of family, laughter, fun, and love. Let's make sure that our next gathering isn't 2½ years away and that Mom and Dad can be there in person next time. How I love these crazy people I'm lucky enough to be related to!